Animals that are social outliers seem to be better at solving problems

1 year ago 71

Life

A study in 13 species of ungulates, including horses, sheep, deer and llamas, found that the most innovative individuals were also less integrated in social groups

By Christa Lesté-Lasserre

Sheep, camels, goats, gazelles and other hoofed animals are better at figuring out solutions to puzzles when they are less integrated into social groups.

Such marginalisation might force individuals to find food, shelter and other needs on their own without group help, thereby fuelling innovation, says Federica Amici at the University of Leipzig in Germany.

“If you’re not well integrated into your social group, you can’t count on friends providing you with support or sharing resources with …

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