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Cited by 258Primate Behavior and EcologyMemory Processes and InfluencesChild and Animal Learning Development

Western Scrub-Jays Anticipate Future Needs Independently of Their Current Motivational State

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Correia, Sérgio P.C., Dickinson, Anthony, Clayton, Nicola S.·2007·Current Biology
DOI 10.1016/j.cub.2007.03.063
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Abstract

Planning for the future has been considered to be a uniquely human trait [1-3]. However, recent studies challenge this hypothesis by showing that food-caching Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) can relate their previous experience as thieves to the possibility of future cache theft by another bird [4], are sensitive to the state of their caches at recovery ([5] and S. De Kort, S.P.C.C., D. Alexis, A.D., and N.S.C., unpublished data), and can plan for tomorrow's breakfast [6]. Although these results suggest that scrub-jays are capable of future planning, the degree to which these birds act independently of their current motivational state is a matter of contention. The Bischof-Köhler hypothesis [1] holds that nonhuman animals cannot anticipate and act toward the satisfaction of a future need not currently experienced or cued by their present motivational state. Using specific satiety to control for the jays' current and future motivational states, here we specifically test this hypothesis by dissociating current and future motivational states. We report that Western scrub-jays anticipate the recovery of their caches, as well as their own future needs, by acting independently of their current motivational state and immediate needs. The fact that the birds act in favor of a future need as opposed to the current one challenges the hypothesis that this ability is unique to humans.

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  • Both scrub-jays and Eurasian jays appear to plan for future needs that differ from their current motivational states.

    “both scrub-jays and Eurasian jays appear to plan for future needs that differ from their current motivational states [160,161]”

    From Is episodic-like memory <i>like</i> episodic memory? (2024) · cites this paper as [161]

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Authors
Correia, S. P. C., Dickinson, A., & Clayton, N. S.
Affiliations
University of Cambridge (GB)
Corresponding author
Clayton, Nicola S.
ORCID
Venue
Current Biology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2007-05
Volume
17
Issue
10
Pages
856-861
ISSN
0960-9822 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.cub.2007.03.063
OpenAlex
W2004026195
Cited by
258
References
22
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 25 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 14 · 2014: 15 · 2013: 19 · 2012: 23
FWCI
21.97
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Current Biology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BB/D000335/1)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Primate Behavior and Ecology
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Child and Animal Learning Development
Keywords
western scrub-jay, Aphelocoma californica, future planning, food caching, cache recovery, motivational states, satiety, animal cognition
MeSH terms
Animals, Appetite, Cues, Feeding Behavior, Humans, Motivation, Time Perception, Passeriformes

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