Does this imply that pigeons don't experience the Uncanny Valley? Does it mean that we can determine whether non-human animals experience the Uncanny Valley? Because I would love to see a deep dive into how common that is in the animal kingdom.

[–] cynar@lemmy.world 8 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I'd also be fascinated if we figured out a way to do it

I personally suspect it's not common in the animal kingdom. It's quite likely a defense against leprosy, a disease that is most dangerous in larger society type communities, without outside predators (to pick off the sick).

That theory might be wrong however. Its distribution would tell us a lot about what it defends against.

[–] Neondragon25@piefed.social 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I'll throw in, probably for death and disease. many other animals have heightened smell, so humans had to evolve a different "sense" for that.

[–] cynar@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

The uncanny valley is FAR stronger with moving things Vs inanimate ones. It's likely modified from a revulsion of dead things, but seems to be distinct now.

Most diseases don't show strongly enough to trigger it, most of the time. Historically, the exception has been leprosy. I'm honestly curious if it's evolved to keep us clear of leppers specifically or not.

[–] T156@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

It might also be their version of the uncanny valley applies for different things.

A dog's uncanny valley could be something that smells slightly off, but humans wouldn't think much about a human that smells funny, for example.

Whereas a pigeons may well focus on other features instead of the face.

[–] pomegranatefern@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 day ago

Very good point! Would love to see that researched as well.