I'm not sure about better, unless this is the normal mechanism for generalization, but if a form of generalization (not just confusion) is the effect, then it'd be a nice form of graceful degradation, whether selected for or not.
I wonder to what extent evolution selects for longevity (& graceful degradation) past a certain point? I would think that once you are past breeding age it's generally more beneficial for the species if you die off and make way for the next generation, other than having some residual benefit as babysitters for the grandkids and leading the herd to the water source in the next drought.
I wonder to what extent evolution selects for longevity (& graceful degradation) past a certain point? I would think that once you are past breeding age it's generally more beneficial for the species if you die off and make way for the next generation, other than having some residual benefit as babysitters for the grandkids and leading the herd to the water source in the next drought.