Humans represent without a doubt the pinnacle in the evolution of higher
cognitive functions. However, other non-human animals, even outside the primate
order, also possess surprisingly complex forms of higher cognition. Within this
seminar, selected studies on the occurrence of such complex cognitive skills
will be presented by students, focusing on species like chimpanzees, parrots,
crows and dolphins. Furthermore, the seminar aims to clear up with some of the
myths about what animals are capable of and what is beyond their reach. In
addition to behavioral data, the seminar will also deal with the question what
the neuronal underpinnings of such skills are, and if there are any neuronal
similarities between species expressing complex cognition. By dealing with these
topics, participants of the seminar will get an overview of the cognitive
abilities of non-human animals and learn that many of the cognitive skills
considered unique to humans actually developed much earlier during evolution.
The seminar will be held in English and students are required to make a 10-min video on preselected literature.
- Kursleiter/in: Sarah Hendrickje Eugen
- Kursleiter/in: Felix Ströckens
Semester: ST 2024