Mechanical problem solving by plush-crested jays: are tools special after all?

ABSTRACT: Tool use is taxonomically associated with high behavioural flexibility and innovativeness, and its prevalence is greater in primates and some bird species. This association, however, is not known to be causally determinant of tool-related competence since flexibility and innovativeness are often observed in the absence of tool use and vice versa. For this reason, it is interesting to explore whether animals that can be loosely categorized as outstanding, or 'intelligent' physical problem solvers, are also remarkable using tools innovatively, rather than tool use presenting special constraints. We investigate this problem using plush-crested jays (Cyanocorax chrysops), a corvid new to cognitive research that shows highly flexible and inquisitive behaviour in the wild and has not been report

SUBMITTER: Lois-Milevicich J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11621189 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature