New Study Explores Link Between Bird Songs and Intelligence
A new study published today in Science suggests that the ability to learn complex new songs in birds is associated with problem-solving skills. The research, conducted by scientists at Rockefeller University, adds to our understanding of animal intelligence but also raises questions about the complexity and diversity of intelligence across species.
The study compared the song learning abilities of various bird species with their performance in a range of intelligence tests. The researchers found that species classified as open-ended learners, which can continuously incorporate new song motifs throughout their lives, performed significantly better in problem-solving tests. This group included species like cardinals, robins, and goldfinches.
Interestingly, birds that could mimic the calls of others also scored above average in the tests, indicating a possible link between mimicry and problem-solving abilities. Species classified as close-ended learners, which can only learn songs during a critical period when young, scored lower in the intelligence tests.
However, when it came to other aspects of intelligence, such as self-control and associative learning, there was no specific pattern observed. This suggests that intelligence is not a single trait, but rather a combination of various behavioral abilities.
To ensure the robustness of their findings, the researchers repeated their analysis by eliminating different sub-groups of birds, such as domesticated or non-learning birds, and found that the association between song learning abilities and problem-solving skills remained consistent.
The study also revealed that open-ended learning species generally had larger brains relative to their bodies, although this correlation did not hold true for species that mimic the songs of others.
The research highlights the complexity of intelligence and the need to consider a wide range of behaviors when studying animal cognition. It also raises questions about the evolution of human intelligence, as the study shows that not all aspects of intelligence may have co-evolved.
While the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between bird songs and intelligence, more research is needed to fully understand the origins and diversity of intelligence across species.
Reference: Audet, J.N., Couture, M., & Jarvis, E. (2023). Birds with better problem-solving skills have a greater ability to learn songs. Science, DOI: 10.1126/science.adh3428.