Cuttlefish have self-control, study finds

[FfFfFfFF 58,132]

Humans, chimps, parrots and crows have evolved to exert self-control, a trait linked to higher intelligence. Now, researchers say cuttlefish – chunky squid-like creatures with eight arms – also have the ability to delay gratification for a better reward.

Researchers used an adapted version of the Stanford marshmallow test, in which children were given the choice of scoffing an immediate reward (one marshmallow) or waiting to earn a delayed, but better, reward (two marshmallows), on six cuttlefish in an aquarium environment.

Overall, the cuttlefish delayed gratification when it led to a prey item of higher quality and were able to maintain delays for periods of up to 50 seconds to 130 seconds, the authors wrote in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Previous research had suggested that some primates and birds exhibited this advanced level of self-control because they were social species that maintained multiple relationships and used tools, said Schnell.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/03/cuttlefish-have-ability-to-exert-self-control-study-finds

[bionic 50,111]

I’m glad my birds eat these things. We don’t need more sentient species, thanks God

[VenusUrania 675]

Even cuttlefish have more self control than I do

[ThePopDevil 141]

23 minutes ago, bionic said:

I’m glad my birds eat these things. We don’t need more sentient species, thanks God