Comparing the Complex Cognition of Birds and Primates

Emery, Nathan J.; Clayton, Nicola S.

doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-8913-0_1

Cited by 91 publications

(57 citation statements)

References 129 publications

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“…Both parrots and passerines are known to perform more complex cognitive tasks than most other bird species [Emery and Clayton, 2004] and they both possess relatively large telencephalic volumes [Burish et al, 2004;Iwaniuk et al, 2005]. It has therefore been suggested that the expansion of the telencephalon in passerines and parrots is correlated with the expression of complex cognitive behavior, such as social interactions [Burish et al, 2004;Iwaniuk et al, 2005].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…That is, the specialization of this cerebrotype is complex cognitive functions, such as problem solving, tool use and social behavior, rather than an ecological specialization per se. In this regard, parrots and passerines are similar to primates because all three taxa share similar cognitive abilities [Marler, 1996;Emery and Clayton, 2004] and brain composition [Emery and Clayton, 2004;Iwaniuk et al, 2005]. What remains to be determined, however, is whether the selection pressures that have resulted in this neural and cognitive convergence are the same [Iwaniuk and Arnold, 2004].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is, however, ample evidence to suggest that cerebrotypes are present in birds. For example, comparisons of relative forebrain size have suggested a similar overall neural architecture in corvids and parrots [Psittaciformes; Emery and Clayton, 2004]. Volumetric studies also indicate the convergent neural evolution of telencephalic composition in some aquatic species [Carezzano and Bee de Speroni, 1995], medullary nuclei in auditory specialists [Kubke et al, 2004] and overall brain composition in parrots and passerines [Iwaniuk et al, 2005].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Evolution of Cerebrotypes in Birds

Iwaniuk

Hurd²

2005

Brain Behav Evol

194

250

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Multivariate analyses of brain composition in mammals, amphibians and fish have revealed the evolution of ‘cerebrotypes’ that reflect specific niches and/or clades. Here, we present the first demonstration of similar cerebrotypes in birds. Using principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering methods to analyze a data set of 67 species, we demonstrate that five main cerebrotypes can be recognized. One type is dominated by galliforms and pigeons, among other species, that all share relatively large brainstems, but can be further differentiated by the proportional size of the cerebellum and telencephalic regions. The second cerebrotype contains a range of species that all share relatively large cerebellar and small nidopallial volumes. A third type is composed of two species, the tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) and an owl, both of which share extremely large Wulst volumes. Parrots and passerines, the principal members of the fourth group, possess much larger nidopallial, mesopallial and striatopallidal proportions than the other groups. The fifth cerebrotype contains species such as raptors and waterfowl that are not found at the extremes for any of the brain regions and could therefore be classified as ‘generalist’ brains. Overall, the clustering of species does not directly reflect the phylogenetic relationships among species, but there is a tendency for species within an order to clump together. There may also be a weak relationship between cerebrotype and developmental differences, but two of the main clusters contained species with both altricial and precocial developmental patterns. As a whole, the groupings do agree with behavioral and ecological similarities among species. Most notably, species that share similarities in locomotor behavior, mode of prey capture or cognitive ability are clustered together. The relationship between cerebrotype and behavior/ecology in birds suggests that future comparative studies of brain-behavior relationships will benefit from adopting a multivariate approach.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Evolution of Cerebrotypes in Birds

Iwaniuk

Hurd²

2005

Brain Behav Evol

194

250

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“…It is also now appreciated that many avian species are capable of sophisticated foraging strategies, elaborate parental and social behaviour, challenging homing and migratory behaviour, and/or complex vocal learning, with some avian groups even showing behavioural and cognitive skills comparable with those of primates (Marler 1996;Doupe & Kuhl 1999;Emery & Clayton 2004). The studies of Pepperberg (1999) with African grey parrots, in particular, showed that these parrots can meaningfully use human words, and grasp simple numerical and relational concepts.…”

Section: Similar Complex Problem Solving: Different Forebrain Substratesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Avian evolution: from Darwin's finches to a new way of thinking about avian forebrain organization and behavioural capabilities

Reiner

2008

Biol. Lett.

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Neurobiology Opinion pieceAvian evolution: from Darwin's finches to a new way of thinking about avian forebrain organization and behavioural capabilitiesThe study of birds, especially the Galapagos finches, was important to Darwin in the development of the theory of evolution by natural selection. Birds have also been at the centre of a recent reformulation in understanding cerebral evolution and the substrates for higher cognition. While it was once thought that birds possess a simple cerebrum and were thus limited to instinctive behaviours, it is now clear that birds possess a well-developed cerebrum that looks very different from the mammalian cerebrum but can support a cognitive ability that for some avian species rivals that in primates.

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“…Several authors have discussed the advantages of such memory (Emery and Clayton 2004;Milton 1988;Stevens et al 2005;Waser and Jones 1983). However, few researchers have investigated the advantages of long-term spatial memory in the natural habitat via empirical study (Isbell et al 1990;Isbell and van Vuren 1996).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Exploring New Areas: How Important is Long-Term Spatial Memory for Mangabey (Lophocebus albigena johnstonii) Foraging Efficiency?

Janmaat

Chancellor

2010

Int J Primatol

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Studies of primate foraging efficiency during the exploration of new areas can provide important insights into the adaptive value of long-term spatial memory. After 6 yr of observation of a group of gray-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena johnstonii) in Kibale National Park, Uganda, we observed exploration of a new area, followed 7 mo later by a group split. We recorded their ranging and foraging behavior for 22 mo after the first exploration. Controlling for weather variables, we found that mangabeys moved longer daily travel distances, explored more area per day, and had larger group spreads in the new area compared to the old area in both parent and daughter groups. The increase in search swath in the new area likely enabled the monkeys to counteract their lack of knowledge of food locations in the new area, as the efficiency in finding fruit in general did not differ between the old and new areas. We did, however, find a lower efficiency in finding fruit from preferred fig trees whose edibility could not be assessed by visual cues in the new area. Fig finding efficiency remained lower, even when we controlled for potential differences in fig density. In addition, mangabeys traveled and foraged less often on the ground in the new compared to the old area. However, when the monkeys became more familiar with the new area, terrestrial behavior increased. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that when monkeys move into an area in

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Comparing the Complex Cognition of Birds and Primates

Cited by 91 publications

References 129 publications

The Evolution of Cerebrotypes in Birds

The Evolution of Cerebrotypes in Birds

Avian evolution: from Darwin's finches to a new way of thinking about avian forebrain organization and behavioural capabilities

Exploring New Areas: How Important is Long-Term Spatial Memory for Mangabey (Lophocebus albigena johnstonii) Foraging Efficiency?

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