Black crow shocks by showing geometric ability only found in humans

Crows demonstrate surprising ability to recognize geometric shapes - Photo: FREEPIK

Research conducted by scientists at the University of Tübingen (Germany) and published in the journal Science Advances shows that humans still do not fully understand crows.

Many species are intelligent but cannot recognize shapes.

According to Earth , the ability to recognize the structure of a shape like right angles, symmetry, and parallel lines was once considered a hallmark of human thinking.

At its core, geometry reflects the brain’s ability to process structure. In humans, even those with no exposure to formal mathematics can recognize simple geometric rules and recognize when something is amiss.

Until now, this sensory ability seemed absent in animals.

Many species can orient themselves, estimate quantities, and even use tools, but are clueless when it comes to recognizing shapes.

Previous studies with baboons, which are closely related to humans in terms of evolution, have shown that they cannot consistently recognize regular quadrilaterals.

The crow "exception"

Researcher Andreas Nieder's team looked at two male black crows that had demonstrated the ability to count. Both were over ten years old and were trained to interact with a touchscreen.

They were shown six shapes. Five were the same, one was different. Their task was to pick out the "wrong" shape. If they correctly identified the different shape, the crows would be rewarded with mealworms.

After they had continued success with simple patterns, the team introduced more complex patterns, with only very slight variations between shapes. All were quadrilaterals that were different in geometrical rules, not easily distinguished.

The birds had never seen these pairs of quadrilaterals before, but when tested, they showed impressive ability to recognize geometric patterns.

Like humans, they seem to be able to recognize relationships between shapes, even without formal instruction or language.

According to the research team, crows' ability to recognize shapes may stem from their heightened sensitivity to visual detail, helping them see order in shapes.

Read more Back to Topics

Back to topic

DAWN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/qua-den-gay-soc-vi-the-hien-kha-nang-hinh-hoc-chi-co-o-nguoi-20250416130748643.htm