Intelligent behaviour in birds
Read Intelligent behaviour in birds and check the IELTS Reading answers. For centuries, many scholars maintained that humans were the only intelligent organism on Earth. Many traits were considered to be exclusively human examples of acumen for example, language, tool use, deception, awareness of s…
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For centuries, many scholars maintained that humans were the only intelligent organism on Earth. Many traits were considered to be exclusively human examples of acumen for example, language, tool use, deception, awareness of self and others. However, exciting new research on a number of animals, particularly birds, has called into question using uniqueness of these traits, forcing us to reconsider this opinion. In 1964, people were amazed when naturalist Jane Goodall first discovered chimpanzees making and using the tools. But ornithologists, people who study birds, were not overly surprised. Almost 20 years earlier, a renowned ornithologist had shown that tool use was commonplace in populations of woodpecker finches residing on the Galápagos Islands. These tiny birds routinely used twigs to extract grubs from under bark.
Vocabulary from this passage
9 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- acumen noun
The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain
The researcher's scientific acumen led to a breakthrough in understanding animal intelligence.
- collate verb
To collect and combine texts, information, or figures in proper order
Biologists collated data from various studies to identify patterns in avian tool use.
- communal adjective
Shared by all members of a community; for common use
Many bird species engage in communal living to increase their chances of survival.
- erratically adverb
In a manner that is not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictably
Food resources in the wild are often distributed erratically, forcing animals to adapt their strategies.
- forage verb
To search widely for food or provisions
Crows often forage in groups to locate hidden food sources more efficiently.
- insight noun
The capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing
Observing animal behavior provides valuable insight into the evolution of cognitive abilities.
- predominant adjective
Present as the strongest or main element; having or exerting control or power
The predominant theory suggests that intelligence evolved to solve ecological challenges.
- recalcitrant adjective
Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline; hard to handle
The bird used a stone tool to crack open the recalcitrant shellfish.
- subsequent adjective
Coming after something in time; following
The bird drops the bait and catches the fish during the subsequent surface disturbance.
Answers with explanations
- 14. iv
Paragraph A discusses how scholars once believed intelligence was unique to humans. It notes that new research on birds has **called into question** this **uniqueness**, **forcing us to reconsider** this opinion. This directly matches the concept of **Reviewing long-held beliefs**. Answer: iv.
- 15. viii
Paragraph B lists various birds, such as **Australian species**, **white-winged choughs**, and **black kites**, and describes their specific methods for using rocks, bait, or fire sticks. This provides **Several examples of birds who use tools**. Answer: viii.
- 16. i
Paragraph C focuses on how tool use **evolved** as a result of **necessity** and the struggle to find food in challenging environments. It explains that smart individuals survive and reproduce. This links the **capacity for tool use** directly to **survival**. Answer: i.
- 17. ix
Paragraph D is dedicated entirely to the **New Caledonian crow**, detailing the wide variety of tools (hooks, rakes, probes) this **one species** creates and uses. This matches the heading **One species' multiple tool-using techniques**. Answer: ix.
- 18. vii
Paragraph E describes a scientific study that correlated the **size of the birds' forebrain** with their ability to innovate. Because it uses physical brain measurement as proof, it serves as **Physiological evidence of birds' intelligence**. Answer: vii.
- 19. iii
Paragraph F explores the theory that bird intelligence is a result of **communal living** and the need for a **political brain** to navigate social competition. This aligns with the **theory linking cognitive ability and living in a society**. Answer: iii.
- 20. vi
Paragraph G illustrates social intelligence through **deception**, specifically how young choughs pretend to help when being watched to maintain social status. This shows **how some birds trick each other**. Answer: vi.
- 21. C
The text states that **New Caledonian crows** (Bird C) carry their **favourite tool** and **store** them for later **re-use**. This behavior of keeping tools matches the characteristic in the question. Answer: C.
- 22. B
The passage explains that **black kites** (Bird B) use fire to make small animals **flee**, which is a way of **drawing out prey by frightening it**. Answer: B.
- 23. A
The text mentions that **white-winged choughs** (Bird A) use rocks to **crack open** the shells of shellfish. Cracking the shell is a way to **remove the outer covering** from their food. Answer: A.
- 24. B
The passage details how **black kites** (Bird B) drop **bait** into the water to **bring fish to the surface**. Using bait is a classic way of **using food to attract prey**. Answer: B.
- 25. C
The text reports that **New Caledonian crows** (Bird C) used **wire** to make a tool. It specifies that wire was **something they had never seen before**, which defines it as an **unfamiliar material**. Answer: C.
- 26. A
The passage describes how **white-winged choughs** (Bird A) act more helpful (preening chicks) specifically when **others are watching** (benefit of observers) to protect their social status. Answer: A.