Behavioural ecology: tool manufacture by naive juvenile crows. Kenward B, Weir AA, Rutz C, Kacelnik A Nature (2005) Category: ethology ¤ Added: Jan 28, 2005 ¤ Rating: ◊◊ |
New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) are the most prolific avian tool-users. Regional variation in the shape of their tools may be the result of cumulative cultural evolution--a phenomenon considered to be a hallmark of human culture. Here we show that hand-raised juvenile New Caledonian crows spontaneously manufacture and use tools, without any contact with adults of their species or any prior demonstration by humans. Our finding is a crucial step towards producing informed models of cultural transmission in this species, and in animals in general. Keywords: |