In swimming and scuba diving, what is the 'buddy system'?
AnswerPairing people so each watches out for the other
In the buddy system two people stay together so either can help, or raise the alarm, if something goes wrong.
Society · Facts & stats
Buddy facts & stats
7 fact-checked facts about buddies, friendship and the buddy system, each with the reason behind it. 5 more are in today's round and join this page after it closes.
The basics
Which word is a common synonym for 'buddy'?
AnswerPal
'Buddy' is an informal word for a friend, like pal or mate.
Going deeper
When two species live together and both benefit, the relationship is called what?
AnswerMutualism
In mutualism both partners gain, like bees getting nectar from flowers while pollinating them.
'Dunbar's number' suggests people can maintain roughly how many stable social relationships?
Answer150
Based on links between primate brain size and group size, the idea puts the limit of stable relationships at about 150.
Before a dive, what do scuba partners do in a 'buddy check'?
AnswerCheck each other's gear and air supply
A pre-dive buddy check confirms each partner's equipment, air and weights are set up and understood.
Expert level
Which hormone is often called the 'bonding hormone' because it is linked to trust and attachment?
AnswerOxytocin
Oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus, released by the pituitary gland and linked to social bonding.
In parts of Africa, the greater honeyguide bird teams up with people to find what?
AnswerWild bees' nests
The bird leads people to wild bee nests; people collect the honey and the bird eats the leftover wax and larvae.
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