A raven seen covering it’s food cache with the surrounding substrate. (Image credit: Jana Mueller).
Ravens possess the “Theory of Mind”, or the ability to predict the mental state of others, according to a new study. This is the first time the “Theory of Mind” has been confirmed in an animal other than humans or non-human primates.
The researchers fed individual ravens in an enclosed study area, while playing raven sounds through a small peep-hole in the wall. When the birds heard the taped ravens, they hid their food as if there was a competitor watching them.
The authors believe this indicates ravens can infer what a competitor may be able to see, without being able to see the competitor themselves.
Original research paper published in Nature Communications on February 2, 2015.
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