Pigeons can pass simple math tests scientists have found that the birds are on the same math level as monkeys including ranking numbers and shapes

Pigeons: A Surprising Math Genius?

Pigeons, often considered urban pests, have never ceased to surprise us with their amazing abilities and intelligence. Recent research conducted by scientists has revealed that these seemingly ordinary birds possess astonishing math skills. In fact, they have been found to be on par with monkeys when it comes to solving simple math problems and understanding numerical concepts.

The Experiment and Findings

In a study conducted by Damian Scarf and colleagues at the University of Otago and Ruhr University, researchers aimed to investigate whether pigeons could exhibit mathematical abilities similar to primates. To do this, they trained pigeons to recognize and distinguish between various visual stimuli representing numbers and shapes.

The experiment involved teaching pigeons to peck at the screen that displayed a numerical stimulus in ascending order. Similarly, the birds were trained to peck at the screen displaying a visual representation of ascending shapes. Astonishingly, pigeons successfully completed these tasks with remarkable accuracy.

Numerical Discrimination

The research team discovered that pigeons were capable of successfully ranking numbers and shapes. Through comprehensive training, the birds were able to identify the numerical order of stimuli accurately. They consistently recognized whether numerical values or shape sizes were greater or lesser, showcasing their advanced cognitive abilities.

Comparable Performance to Primates

The results from the study indicated that pigeons not only performed well but actually achieved equal levels of accuracy in basic arithmetic tasks when compared to primates. This suggests that pigeons possess an impressive numerical cognition that rivals that of monkeys.

The research findings have sparked further interest and discussion within the scientific community. Scientists are now delving deeper into understanding the cognitive processes and neural mechanisms behind pigeons’ math abilities.

Broader Implications

The discovery that pigeons possess mathematical skills comparable to primates challenges our preconceived notions about the intelligence of non-human animals. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into the cognitive abilities of various species.

Understanding the cognitive capabilities of animals opens up new avenues for research in fields such as animal behavior, evolutionary biology, and even artificial intelligence. By gaining insights into how different species process information and solve problems, we can expand our understanding of intelligence beyond the human realm.

Sources

• No joke: Pigeons ace simple math test