A groundbreaking study reveals that carrion crows can distinguish between geometric patterns, showcasing an unexpected geometric intuition in non-human species. Conducted by Andreas Nieder at the University of Tübingen, the research indicates that crows can identify differences between regular and irregular shapes, suggesting that geometric perception may not be unique to humans. Previous studies highlighted humans’ innate ability to recognize geometric regularities, but now, crows have demonstrated similar skills.
In the study, two trained crows interacted with computer games designed to test their mathematical abilities, where they had to identify and peck at outlier shapes among a set of similar figures. The results showed that crows could discern right angles, parallel lines, and symmetry, marking the first instance of an animal displaying such geometric recognition. Nieder emphasizes that this capability may point to a broader cognitive ability present in other species, and the study opens the door for further exploration of geometric comprehension in the animal kingdom.
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