The ravens show signs of abstract thinking

The ravens can imagine being watched by a concealed rival, indicating an ability for abstract thought activity that was thought to be inherent only to humans, according to a new study quoted by The Guardian, FOCUS News Agency reports. Scientists have proven that birds are making extra efforts to hide food when they suspect that their movements are seen by another raven, even if there is none.

The discovery, published in the journal Nature Communications, suggests that ravens are able to understand what might happen in the head of another animal. "This proves that the abilities that we thought were extremely human can be found in other animals," says lead author Thomas Buggnyar, a lecturer at the University of Vienna.

For six months, researchers have studied the behavior of ten raven-bred captive birds. Birds were placed in adjacent rooms separated by windows that were initially left uncovered, so that the ravens could see each other when giving food. In the next phase, scientists have covered the windows, but have left holes similar to spies, and the birds have been taught that they can watch and be seen through them.

After completing the training, the team reproduced recordings of raven sounds while the birds stored their food. Only when spies were open, however, ravens have made extra efforts to hide their food. When the spy was closed - even against the background of ravenous sounds, the birds concluded that they could not have been observed.

The ravens have demonstrated the understanding that they can be monitored and accordingly have changed their behavior. "This suggests that ravens not only interpret and react to the behavior of other birds but make summaries based on their experience," says Bungner.

Source: www.euroscientist.com , www.pixabay.com