Genetics Not the Answer to Magpie Intelligence

If you’ve had the opportunity to interact with Australia’s renowned magpies, you’re aware of their remarkable intelligence. With their distinctive black and white feathers, melodious calls, and intricate social interactions, magpies exhibit a level of avian cleverness that captivates both bird enthusiasts and researchers.

However, what factors contribute to the success of these intelligent birds? Are their keen cognitive abilities inherent, predetermined by their genetic composition? Or are the smarts of magpies primarily shaped by their surroundings and social interactions?

A recent study published in Royal Society Open Science delves into the ongoing “nature versus nurture” debate, particularly concerning avian intelligence.

Larger social gatherings result in more intelligent birds

Our research centered on Western Australian magpies, which differ from their eastern counterparts by residing in large, cooperative social communities year-round. We conducted a learning ability test on young fledglings, as well as their mothers.

We crafted wooden “puzzle boards” featuring holes covered by lids of various colors. Underneath one lid per board, we concealed a delectable food reward. Each bird was individually tested to prevent them from simply mimicking their peers.

Through trial and error, the magpies had to discern which color corresponded to the food prize. Mastery of the puzzle was achieved when the birds consistently selected the rewarded color in 10 out of 12 consecutive attempts.

We evaluated fledglings at 100, 200, and 300 days after leaving the nest. While their puzzle-solving abilities improved with age, the cognitive performance of young magpies exhibited minimal correlation with the problem-solving skills of their mothers.

Rather than genetics or maternal influence, the primary determinant of fledglings’ learning speed in selecting the correct color was the size of their social circle. Those raised in larger groups demonstrated significantly quicker mastery of the test compared to those from smaller social groups.

Fledglings residing in groups of ten or more birds required approximately a dozen attempts to consistently identify the rewarded color. Conversely, those raised in groups of three needed over 30 attempts to establish the connection between color and food.

The Impact of Social Environment on Cognitive Development

Why Living in Larger Social Groups Enhances Cognitive Abilities

The mental demands faced by social animals, such as recognizing group members and managing relationships within a complex social structure, likely contribute to the cognitive benefits observed in larger social groups.

Magpies demonstrate the ability to recognize and remember humans, indicating their capacity for social cognition even in the wild.

Young magpies in larger groups receive more mental exercise by navigating complex social dynamics, which may enhance their problem-solving abilities.

These findings challenge the notion that intelligence is solely determined by genetic inheritance, emphasizing the role of environmental factors, particularly during early development.

While our study focused on Australian magpies, its implications could apply to other socially adept and intelligent species.

Read the original article on: Phys org

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