Final answer:
The point with ducks ranges from illustrating biological concepts like imprinting to symbolizing cultural significance in art and discussing evolution, exemplified by the duckbilled platypus which shares characteristics with other species.
Step-by-step explanation:
The point with ducks in these contexts seems to be to illustrate various biological and societal concepts. For instance, the attachment of ducklings to their mother, as shown in Figure 36.40 and Figure 45.39, serves as an example of imprinting, a critical process in the development of many animals where they form strong attachments and follow the first moving object they see, which is often their mother. This concept is used metaphorically to explain how human children may develop roles and behaviors based on those they observe in their early years.
In another example, the representation of ducks in art, such as on the base of a Mediterranean vessel, signifies the importance of these animals in ancient cultures, possibly reflecting local wildlife or the influence of Egyptian art where ducks were frequently depicted. This serves as an illustration of how animals can play a symbolic role in human culture.
Lastly, mentioning the duckbilled platypus highlights the discussion of evolution and how species can have characteristics of other species, as it exhibits traits seen in birds, mammals, and even fish.