Crafty New Caledonian Crows Can Assemble Tools
DESCRIPTION
File under the study of animal intelligence and problem solving behavior.
Smithsonian reported a study wherein New Caledonian Crows were given a “puzzle box” that contained food which was not accessible without the use of sticks to be used as tools. It was found that not only could the crow solve the problem using sticks as extensions but could actually put several sticks together (assemble) to make compound tools. “The brainy birds successfully navigated feat previously accomplished by just two other species: humans and chimps.” The summary article is fascinating as a study of animal behavior, problem solving, and intelligence.
The original article and video of the crows can be found at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology: http://tinyurl.com/y9u4xyjs
SOURCE
Smithsonian, October 25, 2018, by Meilan Solly
LINK TO RESOURCE
(Tiny URL) (Smithsonian) http://tinyurl.com/yakdhbkx
(Tiny URL) (Max Planck Institute) http://tinyurl.com/y9u4xyjs
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•Why do Psychologists study animal behavior?
•What can be learned by studying the crow’s behaviors?
•What does the study tell us about the concept of complex problem solving and as well as assessment of the concept?
•How does this study of crows compare to other animals? (an evolutionary Psychology question)
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