Quck answer
Researchers have discovered that squirrels can be left- or right-handed, just like humans. A study conducted in Canada found that squirrels show a preference for using one paw over the other when performing tasks, such as opening a nut. The study also found that the preference was consistent over time, indicating that squirrels have a dominant paw. This discovery sheds light on the cognitive abilities of squirrels, which were previously thought to be less complex than other animals. Understanding how squirrels use their dominant paw can also help in conservation efforts and understanding their behavior in the wild.
Wild Animals
This squirrel seems to prefer its right paw. Peter Trimming/Flickr (CC By 2.0)
A study conducted by the University of Exeter in January 2020 found that squirrels, like humans and other animals, tend to favor one paw over the other for certain tasks. The research also discovered that squirrels that showed strong lateralization in their paws – whether left or right – performed less effectively in learning tasks. The study was focused on gray squirrels at Exeter’s Streatham Campus, which had to use their paws to remove peanuts from a narrow, transparent tube. The researchers observed more than 30 squirrels, and their findings suggested that lateralization may not always be beneficial for cognitive performance in mammals, which contradicts the evidence seen in fish and birds. This research adds to the growing body of knowledge on the evolution of lateralization and its effects on animal behavior and survival.
The discovery of lateralization in squirrels raises many questions about the nature of animal intelligence. Although lateralization is generally believed to help animals survive by allowing each hemisphere of the brain to focus on specific tasks, there is limited data on its effects on learning in mammals. The research also suggests that ambidextrous people may be more creative, but it remains to be seen whether squirrels share this trait. There are many ways to test lateralization in animals, such as the Kong Test, which is commonly used to determine whether dogs are right or left-pawed.
FAQ
1. What does it mean for a squirrel to be left- or right-handed?
Just like humans, squirrels can have a preference for using their left or right paw. This preference is often observed when squirrels are cracking nuts or manipulating objects. Squirrels that predominantly use their left paw are considered left-handed, while those that predominantly use their right paw are considered right-handed.
2. Is being left- or right-handed common among squirrels?
Yes, it is quite common for squirrels to have a preference for using one paw over the other. However, the exact percentage of left- or right-handed squirrels varies depending on the population and location.
3. Can a squirrel switch from being left- to right-handed?
It is possible for a squirrel to switch from one paw preference to the other, although it is rare. This may occur if the squirrel experiences an injury or physical limitation that makes it difficult to use their preferred paw.
4. How do scientists study squirrel handedness?
Scientists study squirrel handedness by observing their behavior when cracking nuts or manipulating objects. They can also conduct experiments by placing food or objects in hard-to-reach places, and measuring which paw the squirrel uses to retrieve them. Some scientists have even trained squirrels to use touchscreens to study their cognitive abilities.
5. Is there a difference in intelligence between left- and right-handed squirrels?
There is currently no evidence to suggest that left- or right-handed squirrels differ in intelligence or cognitive abilities. However, some studies have found that ambidextrous squirrels (those that use both paws equally) may have superior problem-solving skills.
6. Can a squirrel be ambidextrous?
Yes, some squirrels are able to use both their left and right paws equally, making them ambidextrous. This is a rare trait, but it has been observed in wild and captive squirrel populations.
7. Do left- or right-handed squirrels have an advantage in the wild?
It is unclear whether left- or right-handed squirrels have an advantage in the wild. Some studies have suggested that left-handed squirrels may be better at avoiding predators, while others have found no significant difference between the two groups.
8. Can squirrel handedness be applied to other animals?
Yes, handedness has been observed in a variety of animal species, including primates, dogs, and even fish. It is thought to be a trait that has evolved in response to the demands of their environment and the need for efficient movement and manipulation of objects.
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