sea otters use a rock to break open shellfish. Is this behavior dependent on the instinct or the learning ?
February 4th, 2010 | by admin |Capchin monkeys use a rock to break open coconut by learning. But I don’t think sea otters are as intelligent as capchin monkeys.
Its pretty basic, so can be learned. I’m no expert, but I would believe this is due to immitation. The babies follow the mother, they get their shells and watch their mother crack it on a rock, and they follow.
One Response to “sea otters use a rock to break open shellfish. Is this behavior dependent on the instinct or the learning ?”
By Ben F on Feb 4, 2010 | Reply
Its pretty basic, so can be learned. I’m no expert, but I would believe this is due to immitation. The babies follow the mother, they get their shells and watch their mother crack it on a rock, and they follow.
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