Experimental assessment of problem solving by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Milvago chimango </Emphasis>(Aves: Falconiformes) |
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Authors: | Laura Marina Biondi Maria Susana Bó Aldo Iván Vassallo |
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Institution: | (1) Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3250, Mar del Plata, B76002AYJ, Argentina;(2) Laboratorio de Ecofisiología, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina;(3) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Conicet, Argentina |
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Abstract: | We report a preliminary assessment of problem solving as an estimate of behavioural innovation and learning ability of a generalist
and abundant raptor, Milvago chimango, under controlled conditions in aviaries. Experimental tests consisted in presentation of a Plexiglas box with four lids
leading to isolated pieces of meat. We recorded time to first contact with the box and time from this first contact to gaining
access to the pieces of meat. We recorded the number of attempts to open the box and reach the first portion of meat, and
the total number of lids opened by each individual during five successive daily sessions. We found that individuals of M. chimango quickly approached and made contact with the Plexiglas box, and responded successfully to the novel feeding problem of reaching
the food inside. In our study, performance of individuals was enhanced after solution of the novel task for the first time,
as indicated by the progressively reduced time taken to access the food. Further, some individuals gained access to an increasing
number of sections of the Plexiglas box during subsequent sessions, suggesting significant learning ability. Our results indicated
M. chimango has a remarkable ability to obtain food in a novel situation, an observation that agrees with anecdotal reports of opening
of receptacles to obtain food in urban environments. The results support the idea of behavioural plasticity in this species. |
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Keywords: | Problem solving Innovation Ecological plasticity Urbanisation Milvago chimango |
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