Problem solving and tool use in three species of otter

Sea otters are well known tool users, yet the cognitive capacities of other otter species have been sparsely studied. Precedent exists for non-tool using species closely related to native tool users to display comparable abilities under experimental conditions. The social intelligence hypothesis predicts complex cognitive capacities in socially complex species. Using the Aesop’s Fable paradigm – wherein subjects drop stones into a cylinder half-filled with water to acquire floating out-of-reach food items – I assessed North American river otters’, Asian small-clawed otters, and giant river otters abilities to solve a novel tool-mediated problem. Sticks and water were presented with the stones, providing opportunities for tool use. No otters successfully completed the task. Interaction with the apparatus decreased significantly across sessions, possibly contributing to the otters not solving the task. A better understanding of the similarities and differences in the cognitive abilities of these species can inform future conservation efforts.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Author dc:creator

• Gormley, Robert F.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Foerder, Preston G.
• Warren, Amye; Shelton, Jill
• College of Arts and Sciences

• North American river otter
• Oriental small-clawed otter
• Otters

Licence

• https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en

Language dc:language

English, eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/443

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.utc.edu:theses-1579