Comparative cognition
For example, it has been hypothesized that there is convergent evolution of the higher cognitive functions of corvids and apes, possibly due to both being omnivorous, visual animals that live in social groups.
Gross anatomical study as well as natural variation have been long considered aspects of comparative cognition.
Current biological anthropology suggests that similarities in structures in the brain can, to an extent, be compared with certain aspects of behavior as their roots.
However, it is difficult to quantify exactly which neuron connections are required for advanced function as opposed to basic reactionary cognitive operations, as identified in small insects or other small-brained organisms.
[8] To Darwin, humans and animals shared the same mental cognition to varying degrees based on their place in the evolutionary timeline.
[10] Morgan's cannon criticized the work of his predecessors for being anecdotal and anthropomorphic, and proposed that certain intellectual animal behavior is more likely to have developed through multiple cycles of trial and error rather than spontaneously through some existing intelligence.
[11] Morgan proposed that animals are capable of learning and their observed behavior is not purely the result of instinct or intrinsic mental function.
The next time this cat was placed within the box, it was able to conduct this trial and error routine again, however they were able to find the lever and release themselves more rapidly.
[12] Thorndike's experiment established the field of comparative cognition and an experimental science and not simply a conceptual thought.
B.F. Skinner's observations extended the understanding of the Law of Effect presented by Thorndike to include the conditioning of responses through negative stimuli.
He suggested that if the subjects were able to observe the apparatus itself, they would be able to deduce methods of escape by perceiving the situation and the environment.
Kohler's views were influenced by the observations he made when studying the behaviors of chimpanzees in Tenerife, Spain.
When foraging bees returned to the hive from a food source, they would perform complex, figure eight patterns.
Famously used in Ivan Pavlov's classical conditioning experiments, members of the canine family have long been considered a primary model organism for comparative cognition studies.
Morgan referred to his terrier Tony when developing his Cannon,[10] and Thorndike recreated his puzzle-box experiments with dogs as well.
Several populations of this species, located on islands in the New Caledonian archipelago have demonstrated the ability to create and utilize tools to manipulate their environment for their benefit.
These crows were observed to modify the ribs of palm leaves by nibbling the ends to resemble a hook, and proceeded to use these tools to reach prey and food in previously inaccessible areas, such as small cracks within trees.
