Mirror self-recognition in the bottlenose dolphin and in the Asian elephant

old_uid5988
titleMirror self-recognition in the bottlenose dolphin and in the Asian elephant
start_date2009/01/15
schedule16h-17h30
onlineno
location_infosalle 1020
summaryMirror self-recognition, considered an indicator of self-awareness, has long seemed limited to humans and apes. Humans and great apes typically progress through four stages of behavior when facing a mirror: (i) social responses, (ii) physical inspection (e.g., looking behind the mirror), (iii) repetitive mirror-testing behavior, and (iv) realization of seeing themselves. Dolphins and Asian elephants were exposed to reflective surfaces, and both species demonstrated responses consistent with mirror self-recognition. Here, we report striking parallels in the progression of responses to mirrors among apes, dolphins, and elephants. These parallels suggest convergent cognitive evolution most likely related to complex sociality and cooperation.
oncancelAttion à l’horaire
responsiblesBressé, Cohen, Kergoat