Learning strategies and long-term memory in Asian short-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus).

ABSTRACT: Social learning, where information is acquired from others, is taxonomically widespread. There is growing evidence that animals selectively employ 'social learning strategies', which determine e.g. when to copy others instead of learning asocially and whom to copy. Furthermore, once animals have acquired new information, e.g. regarding profitable resources, it is beneficial for them to commit it to long-term memory (LTM), especially if it allows access to profitable resources in the future. Research into social learning strategies and LTM has covered a wide range of taxa. However, otters (subfamily Lutrinae), popular in zoos due to their social nature and playfulness, remained neglected until a recent study provided evidence of social learning in captive smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale

SUBMITTER: Saliveros AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7735368 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature