Social factors may determine how human-like we think animals are
Researchers found social integration, urban living, formal education, and religion impact how people view animals. This affects their willingness to engage with conservation programs.
Animal Psychology
Articles tagged with Animal Psychology
Gaming seals reveal how cloudy water provides sense of direction
Researchers found that harbour seals can determine their heading from optic flow fields, even in cloudy or opaque water. The team created a gaming challenge for the seals, using particle simulations to show them which direction they were moving in, and found that they consistently chose the correct direction.
SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2025
Iain Couzin elected Fellow of the Royal Society
Iain Couzin's research on animal collectives and collective intelligence has made significant breakthroughs, earning him a prestigious Fellowship. His work combines cutting-edge technologies with behavioural research to decipher the rules governing coordinated behaviour in animals.
Gelada monkeys understand complex "conversations" involving distress calls and prosocial comforting responses, exhibiting surprise when such vocal exchanges are manipulated to violate their expectations
In a study published in PLOS, gelada monkeys demonstrated an understanding of complex vocal exchanges involving distress calls and prosocial comforting responses. The monkeys exhibited surprise when such vocal exchanges were manipulated to violate their expectations.
Primate mothers display different bereavement response to humans
A study by University College London anthropologists found that macaque mothers experience a short period of physical restlessness after the death of an infant, but do not exhibit typical human signs of grief. In contrast to human bereavement, macaque mothers spent less time resting in the first two weeks after their infants' deaths.
ChatGPT for birdsong may shed light on how language is wired in the human brain
Researchers at Penn State developed a new method to analyze bird songs, revealing context dependence and underlying neurobiology. The study suggests that auditory feedback plays a key role in creating context dependence, and may hold insights into the neural mechanisms of human language.
Don’t know something? Apes can tell
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that apes can intuit another's ignorance and communicate unknown information in the name of teamwork. The study demonstrates the rich mental foundations shared by humans and other apes, suggesting that these abilities evolved millions of years ago in common ancestors.
SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2025
Uncovering the secret communication of monkeys: They have names!
Researchers found that marmoset monkeys use 'phee-calls' to address specific individuals, discerning when a call was directed at them and responding more accurately. This ability is similar to human naming and may have evolved to help marmosets stay connected in their dense rainforest habitat.
Social rank may determine if animals live fast, die young
A Dartmouth study suggests that social rank determines whether animals prioritize short-term energy consumption over long-term health, with dominant monkeys consuming food quickly to maintain dominance, while lower-ranked monkeys invest time in washing their food to prevent tooth damage. The findings shed light on the disposable soma h...
Artificial light is a deadly siren song for young fish
New research reveals that artificial light at night (ALAN) attracts larval fish to artificially lit environments, reducing their chances of survival. ALAN has been shown to lower fish growth rates, metabolic rates, and overall survival, with serious consequences for fish conservation.
Housing compatible shelter dogs together could reduce stress and might help them find homes sooner
Researchers found that housing compatible shelter dogs together can significantly reduce stress in the dogs. The study also showed that this approach may lead to faster adoption rates for the dogs.
Shining a light on the effects of habituation and neural adaptation on the evolution of animal signals
A new paper explores the impact of habituation and neural adaptation on male mate choice signals, suggesting that these mechanisms may favor rapid divergence and diversity. The study proposes a more nuanced understanding of female responses to male signals, including the role of sensory adaptation in shaping mate choice.
First brain-wide map shows how sex and intimacy rewire the brain
A team of researchers created the first brain-wide map of prairie voles during mating and pair bonding, discovering 68 distinct brain regions active across seven circuits. The study found that male ejaculation elicits a profound emotional state in both males and females, coordinating the formation of a bond.
Nemo can count!
Anemonefish use stripe patterns to identify members of their own species and defend against intruders. Young common clownfish can recognize fish with two or three white bars as competitors and bully them to keep their territory.
SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024
New study reveals the profound impact of forced separation between humans and their pets
A new review of international research highlights the dangers of forced separation from pets in crisis situations like domestic violence, homelessness, or natural disasters. The study found a lack of support services puts people and animals at risk of distress and harm.
Socialization for success: Two recent studies expand our understanding of how early social housing helps dairy calves thrive
Recent studies in JDS Communications have found that paired housing can build behavior skills, shape calf personalities, and set up animals for success in the herd. Early socialization has been shown to boost competitive skills, increase time drinking from a bottle, and make calves bolder towards novel objects and unfamiliar calves.
Move over dolphins. Chimps and bonobos can recognize long-lost friends and family — for decades
Researchers found that great apes and chimpanzees can recognize groupmates they haven't seen in over two decades, suggesting a shared common ancestor and potentially the longest-lasting nonhuman memory. The study uses infrared eye-tracking cameras to record participants' gazes at images of familiar and stranger bonobos or chimps.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2023
Migratory bats can detect the Earth’s magnetic field
A study found that migratory bats are sensitive to the angle of magnetic inclination and use it for navigation. The soprano pipistrelle bat species calibrated its internal compass at sunset, taking into account both the horizontal component and inclination of the Earth's magnetic field.
Jays jump in while crows hold out for the treat
Researchers found that Eurasian jays settle for less preferred food options when rivals are present, while New Caledonian crows consistently choose the better, delayed reward. The study suggests that species' social tolerance and competition levels influence self-control in animals.
Chimpanzees use hilltops to conduct reconnaissance on rival groups - study
Researchers found that chimpanzees are more likely to climb hills when heading towards contested borders, where they can quietly rest and hear distant sounds of rival groups. This behavior suggests that chimpanzees gauge the distance of rivals and act accordingly to avoid costly fights.
Roosters' behavior might indicate that they recognize themselves in their reflection, even though they fail traditional mirror tests
Researchers investigated rooster mirror self-recognition, finding that their behavior indicates recognition despite failed traditional tests. The study's results provide new insights into the cognitive ecology of mirror self-recognition in birds.
Dogs prefer food over toys, according to science
A recent University of Florida study found that nine out of ten dogs chose food over toys in a simulated training experience. Dogs responded more strongly to the food reward and gave up earlier when offered a preferred toy reward.
What to expect when you adopt a shelter pet
A new study found that dogs adopted from shelters can exhibit a range of behavioral changes, including aggression and separation-related problems. However, despite these challenges, owners tend to be highly satisfied with their pets, with 93.7% rating their dog's behavior as excellent or good.
Eating emulsifiers during pregnancy and lactation linked to health risks in mouse offspring
A new study in mice shows that consuming emulsifiers during pregnancy or lactation is associated with mild health risks for offspring. The researchers found that the offspring of mice that consumed emulsifiers had a greater risk of certain health issues, including metabolic, cognitive, and psychological impairments.
Unveiling the mechanism underlying orofacial movements during reward processing in animals
Researchers discovered that stimulating dopamine neurons in mice's midbrain triggers orofacial movements, which are linked to brain-wide neuronal activities. The study identified two distinct orofacial movements: transient actions upon reward expectation and active, sustained movements upon receiving a reward.
Assessing emotions in wild animals
A new holistic framework evaluates mental and psychological wellbeing in wild animals, including physical and behavioral indicators for positive and negative experiences. This approach has the potential to provide crucial early warning signals about species challenges and population declines.
Sleight-of-hand magic trick only fools monkeys with opposable thumbs – study
A study found that monkeys with opposable thumbs were fooled by a sleight-of-hand trick, while those without were not. The French drop trick worked for capuchins and squirrel monkeys due to mirroring in their neural motor system.
Dizzy apes provide clues on human need for mind altering experiences
Researchers discovered that great apes deliberately spin themselves to dizzy, mimicking human behaviors like whirling dervishes. This study suggests that humans may have inherited the need for altered states from their evolutionary ancestors.
Human contact makes for happier and healthier dairy calves
A new study found that human contact, including neck scratches, can reduce stress and improve well-being in weaning dairy calves. The research showed that calves housed alone benefited most from the extra human interaction, leading to decreased sucking behaviors and increased rest after meals.
Geckos know their own odor
Researchers at the University of Bern discovered that geckos can detect and distinguish their own skin chemicals from those of other geckos, revealing a new level of social complexity in these animals. This finding suggests that geckos are more intelligent than previously thought, using pheromones for communication and self-recognition.
The ants go marching … methodically
Researchers at the University of Arizona found that rock ants follow a methodical search strategy, combining systematized meandering with random movement to efficiently explore new areas. This unique behavior may provide insights into the evolution of exploration strategies in other species.
Fishing in synchrony brings mutual benefits for dolphins and people in Brazil, research shows
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that synchronized fishing with dolphins in Brazil increases the number of fish caught and supports both species' survival. The cooperative relationship is specific to this population of dolphins and has been passed down through generations of fishermen.
SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2023
Animals: Cat-egorising play and genuine fighting in cats
A study analyzed 105 cat interactions to categorize them into playful, aggressive, or intermediate groups. The majority (56.2%) were classified as playful, while 28.6% were agonistic. Intermediate behavior was observed in 15.2% of cats, exhibiting characteristics of both play and aggression.
Screening a puppy’s DNA methylome may help predict how energetic or fearful they will be
Researchers found that differences in epigenetic DNA methylation predict behavioral differences between dogs better than genetic markers. Epigenetics are more informative for behavior than genetics, and the results open up new possibilities for screening and selecting desired behavioral traits in companion or service dogs.
Guess Who? Chimpanzee faces reveal family relationships
Researchers discovered that wild chimpanzees exhibit facial similarities with their family members, especially as they age. The study found that adult chimpanzees were the easiest to match, while younger infants and males were more challenging, suggesting different pressures on biological family resemblance in these species.
Nestling birds recognize their local song ‘dialect’
A recent study found that juvenile pied flycatchers in Europe can distinguish their own population's song dialects even at 12 days old. This ability is thought to aid in attracting mates and preventing learning other species' songs, highlighting the remarkable specificity of bird behaviors.
Cat got your tongue: Cats distinguish between speech directed at them and humans
A study of 16 cats found they can differentiate their owner's voice from a stranger's, even when tone is changed. This suggests that cats form strong bonds with their owners based on experience of the speaker's voice.
Pet parenting style influences dog behavior, Oregon State University finds
A study by Oregon State University found that dogs with owners who have high expectations and respond well to their behavior are more social, secure, and persistent problem solvers. The research suggests that understanding a dog's needs is crucial for raising secure and resilient dogs.
Video footage provides first detailed observation of orcas hunting white sharks in South Africa
A team of researchers has observed orcas killing white sharks in South Africa using drone and helicopter footage. The study provides the first direct evidence of this behavior, showing that orcas are capable of pursuing, capturing, and incapacitating white sharks.
Long-term relationship with owner reduces horses’ stress reactions in new situations
Horses with long-term relationships with owners are less stressed when encountering novel objects and surfaces. Research suggests that exclusive ownership and positive human interactions shape the horse's behavior, particularly in new or stressful situations.
Study fails to show that dogs or wolves can form reputations of humans
A study by Hoi-Lam Jim and colleagues found that neither dogs nor wolves formed reputations of humans as generous or selfish after indirect or direct interactions. However, some animals showed preference for the generous human after combined experiences.
Isolation may affect horses' health too: Housing them alone appears to stress and hamper their immune system
A recent study found that isolating horses can lead to stress-related immunomodulations, weakening their immune systems. The researchers discovered that single housing caused these changes, regardless of the group composition, highlighting the importance of social interaction for horse health.
New study offers hope to endangered species
A new study investigates how birds experience neophobia, which could play a vital role in helping to save Critically Endangered species. The research gathered data on the behavior of captive Bali myna birds, revealing that juvenile birds may be more suitable for reintroduction than adults.
Rainforest chimpanzees are digging wells for cleaner water
Rainforest chimpanzees are digging wells to access and filter cleaner drinking water due to the limited availability of clean water during the dry season. The behaviour has been observed spreading among young chimps and adult females, with some males using the wells dug by others.
Monkeys play to reduce group tension - study
Research found that adult howler monkey play increases when faced with competition over fruit, a valuable resource. This playful behavior helps regulate relationships within the social group and avoid conflict, unlike collective grooming used by some other primates.
The language of the eyes
A study by Dr. Fuhimiro Kano and colleagues found that humans can distinguish gaze directions from each other more accurately than chimpanzees, particularly in challenging conditions. The researchers used computerized tasks to present images of human and chimpanzee eyes to both species, with white sclera in the chimpanzee eye improving...
Pig grunts reveal their emotions
A team of international researchers has developed an algorithm to translate pig grunts into actual emotions, with 92% accuracy. The study provides insight into animal welfare and could lead to improved living conditions for livestock.
Animal behavior: Dogs may show grieving behavior after death of canine companion
A survey of 426 Italian dog owners found that 86% observed negative changes in surviving dogs' behavior after the death of their companion. These changes included increased attention seeking, decreased activity, and fearfulness.
Study finds that monkeys, like people, can ‘choke under pressure’
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that monkeys can 'choke under pressure' on a computerized matching task. The team discovered that individual variations in stress response and cortisol levels affect performance, suggesting an evolutionarily common trait among species.
A neuron that tracks landmarks helps rats know where they are
Dartmouth researchers identified a new type of neuron in the rat brain that facilitates visual and spatial processing by tracking visual landmarks. The postrhinal cortex neurons can fire in two directions depending on the environment, allowing rats to estimate their direction.
French bulldogs have higher risk of 20 common health disorders
A recent study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics found that French Bulldogs have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with 20 common health disorders compared to other breeds. The authors propose breeding towards more moderate characteristics to reduce these risks.
Researchers develop metrics to quantify information in animal responses to reward feedback
Researchers developed metrics to quantify information in animal responses to reward feedback, showing that animals exhibit undermatching behavior. The new metrics provide a way to predict this deviation from the matching law, offering insights into adaptive behavior and decision-making.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 16, 2021
Key concepts, mathematical models, and statistical techniques for testing rationality
A new article reviews key concepts, mathematical models, and statistical techniques for testing rationality in animal behavior. The authors tackle five significant obstacles to justify conclusions from empirical testing of transitivity, including aggregation artifacts and scientific parsimony.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·TypeSurvey·DateNov 12, 2021
Gorillas can tell human voices apart
A new study shows that gorillas can distinguish between human voices, reacting with distress when hearing unfamiliar or negative voices. The apes' ability to gauge threats by familiarity of human voices has implications for their wild cousins.
Smart parrots need more stimulation, new research finds
A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that intelligent bird species such as parrots and great apes are at risk of poor welfare in captivity. The researchers recommend providing naturalistic diets, enrichment items, and stimulating environments to improve care and reduce psychological problems.
SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2021
Vampire bats may coordinate with ‘friends’ over a bite to eat
Researchers tracked 50 vampire bats, including those with social relationships, to find that they hunt together and coordinate their efforts. The study suggests that forming friendships in the roost can create more interdependence among socially bonded bats, increasing their success at obtaining blood meals.
Biology: Sea snake attacks may be misdirected courtship behaviours
Researchers suggest sea snakes mistake divers for rival snakes or potential mates and female sea snakes perceive them as hiding places. Staying still allows divers to avoid escalation and bites.
Cockatoos know what is going on behind barriers
Researchers found that Goffin cockatoos solve spatial memory tasks comparable to those of great apes and four-year-old human toddlers. The birds' performance was surprising, given the complexity of these tasks and their potential ecological implications.
Scientist detail how brain regulates sensory information
Researchers discovered how brain filters sensory inputs to focus on specific smells, tastes, or sounds by hardwiring sensory and motor cortices. This mechanism enables immediate motor signals to enhance sensory perception, illustrating the intricate connection between sensation and motor control.