Cuttlefish Outsmart Kids in Surprise Intelligence Test, Astonishing Scientists!

Waiting can be tough. Whether it’s a kid eyeing a cookie or an animal stalking prey, the struggle between acting now or waiting for something better is a part of life. This concept isn’t just about humans. Some animals show impressive self-control, hinting they might benefit from patience too.

A recent study highlighted the self-control of cuttlefish. Traditionally, we’ve seen this behavior in creatures like primates and some birds. The famous marshmallow test, originally designed for kids, was adapted for these clever cephalopods.

What Happened in the Study?

Researchers offered hungry cuttlefish a regular shrimp or a more appealing live grass shrimp behind a clear barrier. The cuttlefish could see both but had to choose wisely. Some grabbed the simpler shrimp right away, but others waited, resisting for over two minutes to get the better prize. Their wait times ranged from 50 to 130 seconds, similar to that of crows and parrots despite cuttlefish having shorter lifespans.

Understanding Patience and Intelligence

Lead researcher Alexandra Schnell from the University of Cambridge discussed their methods, noting how this study draws parallels to children’s choices in the marshmallow test. Not only did the cuttlefish show patience; they also performed better on learning tasks. Those who waited the longest for the better treat were quicker to adapt when the rules changed in a learning exercise.

This link between self-control and intelligence in cuttlefish pushes our understanding of cognition beyond familiar species. It raises questions about how long-term planning might have evolved.

Why Cuttlefish Can Wait

Cuttlefish often spend time camouflaging themselves while waiting for food. When they forage, they expose themselves to predators. Researchers speculate that their ability to delay gratification likely evolved to help them select better food options while minimizing risk.

These findings show us that intelligence isn’t just a hallmark of animals with big brains. Creatures like cuttlefish, with very different nervous systems, exhibit complex behaviors too. Self-control can lead to better planning and even social cooperation.

Conclusion

The study opened new avenues of thought about animal intelligence, suggesting that patience and the ability to delay gratification might be more universal than we thought. Understanding these traits in cuttlefish can change how we view the evolution of cognitive skills across the animal kingdom.

For more detailed insights, you can check out the full study in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B here.

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