Quacking Up the Right Object

Ducklings: adorable, tiny, fuzzy, and intelligent? Yes, these small yellow cuties are more than meets the eye when it comes to abstract thinking. What exactly constitutes a newborn duckling as an abstract thinker?

A recent study which took place at the University of Oxford tested 152 newly hatched ducklings and their ability to use abstract concepts in the form of "imprinting." Imprinting is described as latching on to the first object seen after birth until the newborn becomes self-sufficient.

In this case, ducklings were tested by being placed in front of a cube or sphere twenty-four hours after hatching and left to imprint these objects for thirty minutes. These objects were either of the same color or shape. These objects were then paired, either both of the same color or same shape, and introduced to the duckling along with a set of different looking objects. If the hypothesis of imprinting and abstract thinking followed through, the duckling should follow the imprinted set of objects. 

The first experiment tested 47 ducklings and used two identical shapes followed by two different shapes. Only 32 of the ducklings actually followed their imprinted shapes.

The second experiment tested 66 ducklings and used the concept of color matching. In this case, the imprinted shapes were the same color (not concerning shape). Only 45 of the ducklings followed the same colored spheres. 

The conclusion of this experiment was this: 68% of ducklings followed the pair of shapes that resembled their imprinted objects, yet all showed the abstract concept of "same" and "different." The concept of imprinting is "thought to resemble a very simple type of learning" as said by the researchers. 

Here I've copied a link to the actual footage of the experiment. It's really fascinating! Enjoy.

Ducklings Capable of Abstract Thought 

References:

        Coghlan, A. (2016, July 14). Meet the philosopher ducklings that indulge in abstract thought. Retrieved September 25, 2017, from https://www.newscientist.com/article/2097527-meet-the-philosopher-ducklings-that-indulge-in-abstract-thought/

                 

        Virginia MorellJul. 14, 2016 , 2:00 PM, 22, 2. M., 22, 2. K., 22, 2. P., 21, 2. J., 21, 2. C., . . . 21, 2. S. (2017, July 26). Video: Ducklings capable of abstract thought. Retrieved September 25, 2017, from http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/07/video-ducklings-capable-abstract-thought

        Weisberger, M. (2016, July 14). These Ducks Aren't Lame - They Can Think Abstractly. Retrieved September 25, 2017, from https://www.livescience.com/55403-ducklings-demonstrate-abstract-thinking.html