Alien Minds: Evidence of intelligence in coleoid cephalopods
Shorser, Lauren
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Cite this item:
Shorser, L. (2011). Alien Minds: Evidence of intelligence in coleoid cephalopods (Thesis, Master of Science Communication). University of Otago. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10523/2018
Permanent link to OUR Archive version:
http://hdl.handle.net/10523/2018
Abstract:
Cephalopods are a group of animals that are becoming increasingly popular subjects for cognitive studies, but they are not well-known for their intelligence outisde the scientific world. A literature review was conducted to determine what “intelligence” is, and to what extent the scientific literature supports the idea of cephalopods being intelligent animals. A definition of intelligence as an animal’s degree of mental and behavioural flexibility was established based on a review of existing definitions, and possible driving forces behind the evolution of cephalopod intelligence were discussed. A review of the evidence for cephalopod intelligence was conducted; topics investigated included learning, problem-solving, decision-making, communication, play behaviour, personalities, tool-use, mirror self-recognition, and neural properties. Cephalopods were found to be intelligent beings by virtue of their learning, problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Other areas of investigation, such as play and personality, were suggestive of intelligence but were not conclusive. The information from the literature review was then used to write a non-fiction book on the topic of cephalopod intelligence aimed at a lay adult audience. The book combined studies from the literature review with personal anecdotes and experiences to both educate and entertain the reader.
Date:
2011
Advisor:
Davis, Lloyd; Mercer, Alison
Degree Name:
Master of Science Communication
Degree Discipline:
Zoology
Publisher:
University of Otago
Keywords:
cephalopod intelligence; animal intelligence; mirror self-recognition; cephalopod learning; animal personality; cephalopod personality; cephalopod communication; cephalopod problem-solving; animal problem-solving; cephalopod play; animal play; cephalopod decision-making; octopus decision-making; octopus personality; squid personality; octopus play; cephalopod cognition; octopus cognition; cephalopod sleep; octopus brain; cephalopod brain
Research Type:
Thesis
Languages:
English
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- Thesis - Masters [2449]
- Zoology collection [233]