Mammalian play: training for the unexpected
Date of publication: 01/01/2001Summary:
A short, written journal resource that examines the role of play in the mammalian lineage. Spinka, Newberry and Bekoff propose that play serves the function of enhancing kinematic and emotional responses when control is lost due to unexpected events such as loss of balance and emotional shocks. This play is viewed as a training exercise to enhance the animal’s response in unexpected situations.
