Revealing the remarkable intelligence and environmental impact of crows

The- intelligence -of -crows-

Recent scientific studies have highlighted the well-developed cognitive abilities of crows and their important, often surprising, role in the formation of ecosystems. From demonstrating long-term memory that rivals human abilities to acting as key dispersers of plant life, these intelligent birds continue to challenge our understanding of the animal kingdom. 

Revealing the remarkable intelligence and environmental impact of crows

Revealing the remarkable intelligence and environmental impact of crows

A memory that lasts 

Japanese researchers have provided conclusive evidence of exceptional long-term memory in Crows. A study led by Shoi Sugita, a professor at Utsunomiya University, revealed that crows can remember and distinguish certain colors for at least a year.

 In the experiment

 Crows were trained to associate food with carbon dioxide of certain colors. Even after a year without seeing the colored containers, the birds were able to correctly identify those that previously contained food.

This remarkable achievement refers to memory

 It should be noted that crows have a high ability to retain the acquired information. Professor Sugita noted that remembering visual information related to colors for such an extended period is not always easy for humans, estimating that crows may outperform humans on some memory-related tasks.

This research was partially funded by Chubu Electric Power Company 

 Which has had challenges with Crows building nests on power line towers. Nests, often constructed with materials such as metal cloth and Es hangers, can cause short circuits and power outages. Understanding the intelligence and memory of crows is crucial for the development of effective and humane deterrents.

Crows and the spread of walnut trees

In central Europe, scientists have unraveled the mystery behind the increasing presence of walnut trees, relying on a member of the crow family, the Raven (Corvus frugilegus), as the dispersal factor. Research led by Magdalena Linda from the Jagiellonian University and the Polish Academy of Sciences showed how these birds played a pivotal role in the creation of new walnut groves.

Ravens 

 Known for their habit of temporarily storing food, they collect acorns and bury them in the soil for later consumption. Many of these hidden caches are never recovered, and when located in favorable environments such as plowed and uncultivated agricultural fields, the seeds germinate easily and grow into trees. This behavior makes Crows effectively long-distance seed dispersers.

The study

 Published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society highlights that the shift in crow behavior over the past 50 years has contributed to this phenomenon. Birds are becoming more accustomed to man-made landscapes where walnut trees are planted more often. At the same time, changes in agricultural practices, including the abandonment of large areas of agricultural land to prevent overproduction, have created ideal conditions for temporarily stored walnuts

In conclusion

The disclosure of the intelligence of the West is the beginning of research into many things related to this bird that can be used in the near future

Any question on the subject leave us a comment with sincere regards