Despite Having Small Brains Giraffes Use Statistical Inferences, New Study Finds

A new study reveals that giraffes can use statistical inferences to predict the likelihood of receiving carrot slices rather than zucchini slices, Phys.org reports.

According to researchers, this ability is utilized frequently by humans, apes, certain species of monkeys, and some birds, but this study provides evidence that this form of complex reasoning is not restricted to animals with large brains relative to body size.

Study Points Out Correlation of Brain Size and Statistical Reasoning

The research team, comprised of members from the University of Barcelona, the University of Leipzig, and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, sought to determine whether animals with tiny brains in relation to their body size were capable of performing statistical reasoning tasks.

They chose giraffes due to their sophisticated intelligence and capacity for quantity discrimination. According to other research, giraffes are considered intelligent, social animals that have developed intricate and successful societies to survive in harsh, predator-rich environments.

To highlight this interesting research: giraffes are among a few land animals that have been found to establish 'daycares' for their young, mourn the dead, and establish close and life-long ties with parents and grandparents.

How the Researchers Did the Study

Working with four giraffes, the researchers placed carrot and zucchini slices in transparent containers in varying proportions to determine whether the giraffes could predict a greater likelihood of receiving a carrot.

Each test consisted of twenty trials in which a researcher selected food from each container without revealing it to the giraffe. The giraffes then touched the hand from which they desired to consume, using only the information contained in the containers.

The giraffes displayed remarkable aptitude in statistical reasoning by consistently selecting the correct container in all three evaluations. Their impressive performance indicates their ability to analyze data and draw conclusions based on it.

Interestingly, had the giraffes relied solely on the absolute quantities of the carrots, they would have succeeded in the first two assessments but would have failed the third.

Check out the video documentation here. Video: Nature YouTube

This study challenges the notion that complex statistical abilities can only evolve in animals with large brains relative to body size.

The authors hypothesize that the capacity to make statistical inferences may be ubiquitous in the animal kingdom; the question is how many other animals with small brains relative to body size could also accomplish this task.

Shedding Light on the Cognitive Abilities of Giraffes

This study provides insight into the cognitive abilities of giraffes, which are well-known for their physical characteristics, such as their long necks.

Their social systems and dietary diversity have been associated with the emergence of complex cognition. They have already demonstrated the ability to perform quantity discrimination.

This study has important implications for our understanding of animal cognition and demonstrates the need for additional research in this field.

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