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Kea (Nestor notabilis) represent object trajectory and identity.

ABSTRACT: The ability to represent both the identity and trajectory of hidden objects underlies our capacity to reason about causal mechanisms. However, to date no studies have shown that non-human animals are capable of representing these two factors simultaneously. Here, we tested whether kea can represent out-of-sight object trajectories and identities by presenting subjects with three tasks, each of which involved tracking or predicting hand trajectories as they moved behind a screen. Taken together, our results suggest that kea have the capacity for mental simulation in complex tasks involving moving hidden objects.

SUBMITTER: Bastos APM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6930200 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Kea (Nestor notabilis) represent object trajectory and identity.

Bastos Amalia P M APM Taylor Alex H AH

Scientific reports 20191224 1

The ability to represent both the identity and trajectory of hidden objects underlies our capacity to reason about causal mechanisms. However, to date no studies have shown that non-human animals are capable of representing these two factors simultaneously. Here, we tested whether kea can represent out-of-sight object trajectories and identities by presenting subjects with three tasks, each of which involved tracking or predicting hand trajectories as they moved behind a screen. Taken together, ...[more]

PMID: 31875011

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