The Teop people were selected to test Grimalda's theories on human cooperation for the small size of their communities (populations of around 50 inhabitants) and low levels of
social complexity, though also because they present very different characteristics to those found in Western societies: they are horticulturists and gatherers; they use rudimentary tools to
grow their food; they have no mechanised industry; and retribution for manual labour is infrequent.