RICHARD
10-04-2004, 07:01 PM
Fish can learn quicker than dogs
Fish are much brainier than previously thought - and can learn quicker than dogs.
Oxford scientists have dubbed them "very capable" after building an aquatic obstacle course.
The blind Mexican cave fish tested memorised the challenged in just a few hours reports The Sun.
They spotted changes when the university researchers tried to fool them. And the fish still remembered what they had learned several months later.
Scientists also revealed their subjects completed complex mental tasks which would baffle pets like hamsters and dogs.
Dr Theresa Burt de Perera said: "The public perception of fish is that they are pea-brained numbskulls who can't remember things for more than a few seconds.
"We're now finding that they are very capable of learning and remembering, and possess a range of mental skills that would surprise many people."
She added: "We know that fish can recognise their owners - some will even go into a sulk if somebody else tries to feed them."
-----------------------------------
Well,
I've never seen a dog on a hook.....
;)
Fish are much brainier than previously thought - and can learn quicker than dogs.
Oxford scientists have dubbed them "very capable" after building an aquatic obstacle course.
The blind Mexican cave fish tested memorised the challenged in just a few hours reports The Sun.
They spotted changes when the university researchers tried to fool them. And the fish still remembered what they had learned several months later.
Scientists also revealed their subjects completed complex mental tasks which would baffle pets like hamsters and dogs.
Dr Theresa Burt de Perera said: "The public perception of fish is that they are pea-brained numbskulls who can't remember things for more than a few seconds.
"We're now finding that they are very capable of learning and remembering, and possess a range of mental skills that would surprise many people."
She added: "We know that fish can recognise their owners - some will even go into a sulk if somebody else tries to feed them."
-----------------------------------
Well,
I've never seen a dog on a hook.....
;)