Complex Behaviour Studies Flashcards
What did Bird and Emery (2009) find?
The rook is a member of the corvid family but does not appear to use tools in the wild, although it appears to solve non-tool related problems via similiar reasoning. The rooks were presented with a tube filled with water, a worm floating in the water and stones of different sizes. All 4 birds were able to the solve the problem and appeared to estimate how many stones were needed. 3 of the birds also learned to use larger stones. This behaviour demonstrates a flexible ability to use tools.
What did Chappell and Kacelnik (2004) find?
This study examined the ability to select and manufacture appropriate tools in anticipation of the needs of the task. New Caledonian Crows were given three sticks they selected the thinnest. When given bundles of tools or lose sticks they only disassembled the bundle when their preferred tool was in it. They were also able to manufacture and modify a tol according to the diameter of the hole.
What did Pepperberg (1994) find?
Alex could correctly identify quantities or targted subsets in assorted collection. For each test trial Alex was shown different collections of 4 groups of items that varied in 2 colours and 2 object categories. He was then asked to label the number of itens uniquely identified by one colour and one object category. The collections were designed to provide the maximal confounds. Alex had 83% overall accuracy.
What did Weir (2002) find?
New Caldedonian Crows were given a tube with a bucket inside containing food. They were also given a straight piece of wire. The female bird was able to bend the wire and hook out the bucket. she has little exposure to and no prior training with pliant material.
