In thinking about ObservationsOfProgrammersInTheWild what is a collective of programmers most like?

The inspiring teamwork shown in the television documentary MeerkatsUnited

Or more like the tank of piranha fish a friend of mine was given.  One evening there were five swimming around, the following morning there were just four.  I've always wanted to know what concurrent algorithm operated in each of the fish during the night.  (I don't suppose the communication was quite at the level: "Psst ... Fred's looking a bit off colour ... how about it?")