Doves and baboons have great memories

A study showed that pigeons can remember up to 1,000 photos. But that number is nothing compared to the ability of baboons, because they can store about 5,000 images in the brain for several years.

Pigeon (Photo: newscientist)

To understand the memorization of pigeons, experts at the National Institute of Scientific Research, the Mediterranean Institute for Neuroscience (France) gave two doves a thousand images. After a few months, they let them review and train them to use mines to draw circles or slashes on the pictures they had ever seen. The test was repeated several months later. The results show that the number of photos that two birds can remember ranges from 800 to 1,000.

In another experiment, scientists gave two baboons a few thousand photos over three years. The monkeys were also taught how to use anterior limb pointing to pictures they remembered. Testing is also conducted many times. Results showed that two monkeys can remember 3,500 to 5,000 shots. However, the team claims that it is not the limit for memory of baboons. They believe that if the test continues for a few more years, the number of photos that the monkeys remember will increase.

Previous studies have confirmed that birds and primates have a good ability to imitate and memorize, but the mechanism of creating those abilities is still unknown. A well-accepted assumption that evolution is motivated by long-term memorization, allows animals to remember special events in the outside world and behaviors that are appropriate for the event. . Therefore, in order to survive, the long-term ability to remember animals is increasingly improved.

Therefore, according to scientists, do not be surprised when the pigeons where you live always drop feces in the right car when they leave the nest to feed, regardless of whether the car is in position Which in the parking lot. Simply because the image of the car was imprinted in their brains. The excellent memory ability of pigeons is also the reason why these birds are trained by humans to deliver letters.

Viet Linh