animal intelligence
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Zoo Hopes Plan to Introduce Famous Cursing Parrots to Larger Flock Doesn’t Backfire
The Lincolnshire Wildlife Park in the UK is trying a new plan to contain its growing group of foul-mouthed African grey parrots. The zoo will introduce the expletive-loving birds to a larger flock in hopes that the other parrots will pass along their good manners. But there is a chance that the experiment will only…
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Orangutans Got Suspiciously Close to Inventing Stone Tools in New Zoo Experiments
Captive orangutans can use stone tools without minimal direction from humans, researchers reported today. Besides an affirmation of orangutan intelligence, the finding has implications for understanding how and when stone tool use evolved in ancient human ancestors.
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Wild Parrots in Australia Are Teaching Each Other How to Break Into Trash Bins
Scientists have discovered the latest fad sweeping across the sulphur-crested cockatoo parrots of Sydney, Australia: lifting up trash can lids to score a snack. In a new study this week, they detail the recent emergence and spread of this learned behaviour, which they say is a common but not always easily observed example of cultural…
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Why Scientists Should Use Magic to Study Animal Intelligence
Scientists should use magic tricks to better understand animal intelligence and perception, argue a team of researchers in a new paper. The idea makes sense, particularly when humans and animals can be fooled by the same illusion.