Scientists investigating video of a cow using tools, and later conducting some basic psychology experiments on said cow, say their findings could expand the list of animals capable of tool use.
Scientists investigating video of a cow using tools, and later conducting some basic psychology experiments on said cow, say their findings could expand the list of animals capable of tool use.
I’m also a bit confused on why any of this is news. Cow scratchers are a thing you can just buy. Cows readily use them.
A cow using a scratcher is doing something that provides an immediate reward. The cow that selects and manipulates an appropriate stick is planning ahead for a future reward.
I think they make a distinction between acting on an object and merely using the environment. The first requires more agency, I guess.
thing is, if you call that tool usage then it’s also tool usage to… do most things, really. Is it tool usage when chinchillas take dust baths to clean themselves?