> that it would be true for aliens that one can get better at something by practicing
I think that one depends a lot on how they learn or can transfer knowledge. We rely on language for it, and language is severely limited - We can't learn olympic gymnastics from watching TV, but a species that could directly transfer memories and behaviors would have a huge leg on us in that regard - I'd assume we'd quickly notice their fast-paced technological advance.
Or completely miss it, because they'd anyhilate themselves a couple hours after discovering the military use of nuclear fusion ;-)
I think that one depends a lot on how they learn or can transfer knowledge. We rely on language for it, and language is severely limited - We can't learn olympic gymnastics from watching TV, but a species that could directly transfer memories and behaviors would have a huge leg on us in that regard - I'd assume we'd quickly notice their fast-paced technological advance.
Or completely miss it, because they'd anyhilate themselves a couple hours after discovering the military use of nuclear fusion ;-)