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How do schools of fish swim in harmony? - Nathan S. Jacobs

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TEDEd Animation

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How do schools of fish swim in harmony? How do the tiny cells in your brain give rise to the complex thoughts, memories, and consciousness that are you? Oddly enough, those questions have the same general answer. Nathan S. Jacobs explains the concept of emergence, the spontaneous creation of sophisticated behaviors and functions from large groups of simple elements.

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What two simple rules do individual fish follow that allows them aggregate into schools (pick two of the below)? A. keep swimming B. do whatever you want C. stay close to your neighbor D. move in the opposite direction of predators

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Nathan S. Jacobs
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Director Lisa LaBracio
  • Composer Stephen LaRosa
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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