Brains, tools, innovation and biogeography in crows and ravens.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Crows and ravens (Passeriformes: Corvus) are large-brained birds with enhanced cognitive abilities relative to other birds. They are among the few non-hominid organisms on Earth to be considered intelligent and well-known examples exist of several crow species having evolved innovative strategies and even use of tools in their search for food. The 40 Corvus species have also been successful dispersers and are distributed on most continents and in remote archipelagos.

Results

This study presents the first molecular phylogeny including all species and a number of subspecies within the genus Corvus. We date the phylogeny and determine ancestral areas to investigate historical biogeographical patterns of the crows. Additionally, we use data on brain size and a large d

SUBMITTER: Jonsson KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3480872 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature