Claim: The Machiavellian intelligence hypothesis is based on the claim that large brains are linked to large social groups in primates (with 190-448 species, depending on the classification) and lizards, however, critics argue that food availability is a limiting factor for brain size and social group size, and that there are small-brained primates in large groups.
Evidence: The claim that large brains are linked to large social groups in primates and cetaceans, on which the Machiavellian intelligence hypothesis is based, is criticized by a number of researchers for overlooking the availability of food as a common limiting factor for brain size and social group size. Lizards are a widespread group of squamate reptiles, with over 6,000 species, ranging across all continents except Antarctica, as well as most oceanic island chains. Class: Mammalia Class: Reptilia