WHY ANIMALS PLAY.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- O'Connell, Caitlin
- Source
- Scientific American. Aug2021, Vol. 325 Issue 2, p48-55. 8p. 5 Color Photographs, 2 Black and White Photographs.
- Subject
- *PLAY
*COGNITIVE Strategy Instruction
*HEALTH promotion
*LIFE skills
*BEHAVIOR modification
- Language
- ISSN
- 0036-8733
The article discusses the importance of play in all social creatures like elephants and humans. It is play has rules of engagement and it is essential for developing the physical and cognitive skills needed by animals to survive and reproduce. It is noted that play allows animals to experiment with new behaviors in a protected environment without dangerous consequences and help in forming bonds, improving coping skills and overall health, and facilitates cooperation and innovation.