A Cephalopod Has Passed a Cognitive Test Designed For Human Children

[G_j]

https://www.sciencealert.com/cuttlefish-can-pass-a-cognitive-test-designed-for-children?fbclid=IwAR2E23O5-QBQtmadWqqcPN9PnhGBBf21MLtRaqJlNaiVJImU1TJc0GDiY2k




MICHELLE STARR
3 MARCH 2021

A new test of cephalopod smarts has reinforced how important it is for us humans to not underestimate animal intelligence.

Cuttlefish have been put to a new version of the marshmallow test, and the results appear to demonstrate that there's more going on in their strange little brains than we knew.

Their ability to learn and adapt, the researchers said, could have evolved to give cuttlefish an edge in the cutthroat eat-or-be-eaten marine world they live in.

The marshmallow test, or Stanford marshmallow experiment, is pretty straightforward. A child is placed in a room with a marshmallow. They are told if they can manage not to eat the marshmallow for 15 minutes, they'll get a second marshmallow, and be allowed to eat both.

..more.,

[AZSkiffyGeek]

1. I for one welcome our new octopus overlords nt

[yonder]

11. +1.

[Grokenstein]

14. "Straighten up there, ensign."

[MustLoveBeagles]

2. K&R

[mbusby]

3. I would rather...

...talk with a Cuttlefish than listen to a republican.

[Blue_true]

4. And you would likely get more done for society to boot. nt

[Maraya1969]

6. Truer words were never spoken.

[Dream Girl]

5. How do they explain that (extra marshmallow for waiting) to an octopus?

[Maraya1969]

7. They said they have to teach them if they wait they get the extra marshmallow.

They obviously can't tell them but the cuttlefish learns that if he waits he gets a better treat.

[Dream Girl]

8. Sometimes, I way to literal.

[Solly Mack]

9. Cute and smart!

Cool!

[geomon666]

10. The future

[burrowowl]

12. Fascinating!

[leighbythesea2]

13. After reading

How nicely they trained with shapes, that had meanings associated, and the other experiments I think these researchers have the best jobs.

[rpannier]

15. K&R Interesting article

Very enlightening

[PatrickforB]

16. A creature of great dignity and grace.

A dweller in a far place, alien to us.

Yet as intelligent as us.

Kind of makes you wonder if what we think of as 'civilization' really is.

[Journeyman]

18. Ghandi was once asked, "What do you think of Western Civilization?" . . .

"I think it would be a very good idea," he replied.

[PatrickforB]

28. I remember that quote. That is a great quote.

We have gotten a whole lot wrong.

[pansypoo53219]

17. i don't like marshmallows + i think even when i was a kid. meh.

[Nasruddin]

19. Buried the lede

"The doors also had symbols on them that the cuttlefish had been trained to recognise. A circle meant the door would open straight away. A triangle meant...."

Well previously, they had taught the cuttlefish to read.

[Lucinda]

20. Think maybe we could get it to hold virtual classes for some GOPs?

[rwsanders]

21. For all the cephalopod fans here, this documentary is a must see!! Captivating and calming, a

wonderful experience!

I've watched it twice so far.

[Duppers]

23. I just searched for a link to this.

I've also watched the full length documentary and was very moved.

People in general really underestimate other creatures.

[ZZenith]

24. Great movie!

[Beringia]

30. Good movie

[catchnrelease]

22. Love those cephalopods!!

They constantly amaze me with both their physical abilities and alien brains.

[RainCaster]

25. Cuttlefish are so colorful and communicative

I love watching them when diving or snorkeling. If you get too close, they will flash a variety of brilliant red patterns. If you ignore them, the patterns change faster and they will swim towards you. Very intimidating.

[RocRizzo55]

26. That reminds me

Of that song, “He’s no cephalopod, he’s my brother.”

[Hortensis]

27. There's just something about cuttlefish and the marshmallow test

that's been keeping me smiling. It's cute and wondrous. The researchers must love their work. Thanks, G_j!

[WhiskeyGrinder]

29. The marshmallow test turned out to be more a measure of economic security than cognitive ability.

[Ferrets are Cool]

31. This is exactly why I stopped eating any type of Cephalopod

long ago.

And we humans have the temerity to piss and moan about a little probing by aliens.