'Home' choice and modification by juvenile Octopus vulgaris (Mollusca: Cephalopoda): specialized intelligence and tool use? |
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Authors: | Jennifer A Mather |
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Institution: | Psychology Department, The University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4, Canada |
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Abstract: | Analysis of 'homes' occupied by juvenile Octopus vulgaris shows flexible behaviour which may indicate specialized intelligence and tool use. Octopuses occupied sheltered areas for a short time, average 10 days, but stayed longer in larger homes and in areas where preferred prey was available. They did not simply respond to perceptual characteristics of a site, but instead chose locations potentially suitable and modified them by removing rocks and sand and bringing in items partially to block the aperture. |
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