Findings show birds 'worry about future'
Thursday, 22 Feb 2007 08:32
Research shows birds plan for the future
Science In Focus
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A new study has revealed evidence suggesting that birds show concern for the future and plan ahead.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge carried out tests on western scrub-jays to determine whether the animals acted on instinct or if they showed awareness of future needs.
Every morning, eight scrub-jays either were allowed into the compartment with 'no breakfast' or the compartment with 'breakfast'. They were then allowed to eat for the rest of the day.
After several days, the birds were then provided with pine nuts suitable for hoarding in the evening and, in anticipation of a morning without breakfast, the scrub-jays consistently hid food in the 'no breakfast' compartment rather than the 'breakfast' compartment.
"The jays spontaneously plan for tomorrow, without being motivated by their current needs," said Nicola Clayton, professor of comparative cognition at the University of Cambridge.
"People have assumed that animals only have a concept of the present, but these findings show that jays also have some understanding of future events and can plan for future eventualities.
"The western scrub-jays demonstrate behaviour that shows they are concerned both about guarding against food shortages and maximising the variety of their diets."
Professor Clayton added that the findings suggest that the birds "have advanced and complex thought processes" and "a sophisticated concept of past, present and future".
The study's findings are published in the Nature journal.