Animal Cognition

Abstract

The contemporary field of animal cognition began over 150 years ago when Charles Darwin posed questions regarding the abilities of the animal mind. Animal cognition is a science dedicated to understanding the processes and mechanisms that allow nonhumans to think and behave. The techniques that are used and the species that are studied are diverse. The historical questions originally proposed by ethologist Nikolas Tinbergen as a framework for studying animal behavior remain at the core of the field. These questions are reviewed along with the domains and methods of animal cognition with a focus on concept learning, memory, and canine cognition. Finally, ideas on how a field rich in tradition and methodological strength should proceed in the future are presented.

Abstract concept learning in fish

“…Papers of particular interest, published within the period of review, have been highlighted as: * of special interest ** of outstanding interest ** [2] This recent review is focused on same/different learning in animals and includes details on the theoretical background to this test, and differences in the performance of species tested thus far. * [4] This book chapter contains a section on the topic of concept learning in animals. It includes a clear explanation of different concept types and a brief discussion of the use of other sensory modalities when designing concept learning tests for different species.…”

“…Historically, abstract concept learning has been associated with animals with more neural complexity [3], such as primates, and has been considered a sign of intelligence. However, over the last several decades, this assumption has been challenged by mounting evidence that nonprimate animals are capable of conceptual learning [1,3,4]. After all, many of the problems that primates must solve, and which abstract concept learning might facilitate, are not unique to this group.…”