Crows can distinguish geometric shapes

A study conducted in Germany has shown that crows can perceive regularities in geometric shapes and select the one that is different. Researchers trained two male crows to select the odd one out from five similar shapes displayed on a computer screen by pecking at it.

In the experiment, various shapes were used, ranging from regular quadrilaterals like squares and rectangles to irregular quadrilaterals. The crows found the outlier more easily, especially among symmetrical and regular shapes.

DEVELOPED DURING THE EVOLUTIONARY PROCESS

This ability shows that knowledge of geometry is not unique to humans and may have developed in animals during the evolutionary process. Animal physiologist Andrea Nieder stated on the subject, "Birds use spatial regularities to navigate and find their way in their environment, and this increases their chances of survival. The ability of crows to understand geometric properties in two-dimensional shapes shows how knowledge of geometry is rooted in biological evolution."

The results of the research revealed that geometric regularity is not a feature unique to humans, and that some animals, such as birds, may also use this feature in the way they perceive the world.