Indian researchers have studied the behavior of one of the most common penguin species in Antarctica -
The scientists conducted four experiments.For the first, they set up a mirror on the ground next to the penguins and watched random penguins look at themselves. Some birds were attracted by their reflections and stood relatively still, staring at the images for a few seconds but making no attempt to touch it or reach out to the mirror, the scientists say.
Penguin at the mirror. Image: Prabir Ghosh Dastidar et al., bioRxiv
In the three remaining experiments, the researchersused a special cardboard enclosure with a mirror, into which penguins were launched one at a time. In the first case, the mirror was ordinary, in the second, the upper part was covered with a sticker that hid the head and part of the torso of the penguin, and in the third, bibs were hung around the neck of the penguins.
Experiments have shown that penguins placed inenclosures, were anxious if there was no mirror, but remained calm otherwise - their attention was captured by the mirror. At the same time, the animals moved as if they were studying themselves. They made quick movements of the head, flippers or body. Many of these movements and gestures were repeated quickly, but the birds' visual attention was fixed on the reflections throughout the experiment.
Experiments in the enclosure. Images: Prabir Ghosh Dastidar et al., bioRxiv
The study also showed that when appliedsticker that covered part of the image, the penguins tried to rip it off with their beak. Breast badges, on the contrary, left the penguins indifferent.
Self-awareness is the ability to recognize oneself anddistinguish from others. Previous studies have shown that it is rare in the animal kingdom: so far, it has only been confirmed in a few mammals, some birds and fish, scientists say. The mirror test is a classic method of testing for self-awareness, the behavior of animals recognizing themselves in the mirror differs from the actions of other species.
The researchers say that although the resultssomewhat inconsistent, the study suggests that there is at least some degree of self-awareness in Adélie penguins. They plan to test the results on other species of these birds.
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