Publication
Title
Reinstating reptiles : from clueless creatures to esteemed models of cognitive biology
Author
Abstract
Non-avian reptiles have long been neglect in cognitive science due to their reputation as slow and inflexible learners, but fortunately, this archaic view on reptile cognition is changing rapidly. The last two decades have witnessed a renewed interest in the cognitive capacities of reptiles, and more ecologically relevant protocols have been designed to measure such abilities. Now, we appreciate that reptiles possess an impressive set of cognitive skills, including problem-solving abilities, fast and flexible learning, quantity discrimination, and even social learning. This special issue highlights current research on reptiles in cognitive biology and showcases the diversity of research questions that can be answered by using reptiles as study model. Here, we briefly address (the key results of) the contributing articles and their role in the endeavour for total inclusion of reptiles in cognitive biological research, which is instrumental for our understanding of the evolution of animal cognition. We also discuss and illustrate the promising potential of reptiles as model organisms in various areas of cognitive research.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Behaviour : an international journal of comparative ethology. - Leiden, 1948, currens
Publication
Leiden : Brill , 2021
ISSN
0005-7959 [print]
1568-539X [online]
DOI
10.1163/1568539X-00003718
Volume/pages
158 :12-13 (2021) , p. 1057-1076
ISI
000718898900001
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Evolution and function of fine surface structures of lizard skin.
Does being smart pay off? Fitness-consequences of behavioural flexibility in lizards in environments with different complexity.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 30.09.2021
Last edited 26.08.2024
To cite this reference