Naturalistic Observation of 2 Species...

Two species that constitute a significant percentage of the earth’s population have mystified and perplexed behavioral experts since time immemorial. Their identity and survival are dependent on each other’s – one does not exist without the other and one comes into existence only when the other is born. Moreover, their behavior when alone is sometimes an exact opposite of their behavior when together.

 

In the past few days, I have had the privilege and opportunity to closely observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat…

Let us begin with a short description of both…

Homo Sapien grandparentus – Can come into existence anytime after the age of 40 years. Easily distinguished by a benevolent smile, endless reservoir of patience, inability to criticize and sudden bursts of energy, unhampered by pain in the joints (a symptom that is usually very prevalent otherwise).

Apus grandchildus – Exhibit greater energy, mischief and affection than usual.

NB: The aforementioned qualities are only exhibited when these specimens are in each other’s presence.

The current specimens met each other after a long period of separation (8 months).

Age & Sex of specimens:

Homo Sapien grandparentus – 59 (male) & 55 (female)

Apus grandchildus –11 months 24 days (female)

Day 1:

Apus grandchildus, who is usually very wary of strangers (and subjects them to a close scrutiny that lasts 72 hours before trusting them sufficiently) shows an almost immediate and inexplicable liking to Homo Sapien grandparentus. Within a record 3 minutes she has happily left her mother to cuddle the female grandparentus (commonly called the Grand Mother). The male grandparentus (also referred to as the Grand Father) manages to win over grandchildus’s attention by making funny (and may I add, rather uncharacteristic) faces and sounds.

NB: The male and female grandparentus’s fondness for Apus grandchildus is not a function of their attachment to the intervening generation of child/parent (respectively).

Both members of grandparentus resort to all kinds of tricks to grab grandchildus’ attention and entertain her. For example, “Oooh look, I am kissing your aunty... See how much I love her…” in the hope that grandchildus will get jealous and come to them. Surprisingly, grandchildus (who usually exhibits a decent IQ) falls for this and promptly proceeds to hit the hapless “aunty”, pushes her away from grandparentus’ lap and places herself there.

Grandchildus, who usually takes 1 day to learn the names of objects, knows within an hour who “Nana” and “Nani” are and happily points at them when asked, “Where is Nana?”

The male grandparentus rushes off to get his hideous beard shaved because grandchildus does not like to kiss spiky-haired cheeks. It may be mentioned that he had refused to part with this new beard even when all other members of the clan had made it very evident that they found it plain repulsive.

Towards the end of the day (commonly called “bedtime”) grandchildus insists on going outside. Both grandparentii (who had always been strict disciplinarians) give Discipline 2 tight slaps, toss it out the window and against the parent’s wishes take grandchildus for a walk (“ghoomi chalo”). Both species thoroughly enjoy the walk, under the protective eye of the aforementioned aunt. (Aside: Aunt has to tag along because when these 2 get together, they usually behave rather recklessly – like purchasing 4 chocolate bars for an 11 month old infant).

To be continued…