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 7 points 3 weeks 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 3 points 3 weeks ago

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.

[–] T156@lemmy.world 4 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks 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 3 weeks ago

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