STUDY: CROWS CAN COUNT TO FOUR

A new study finds that crows can count up to four. The study, from the University of Tübingen’s animal physiology lab in Germany, finds they can match the number of calls they make when shown a numeral. When show the number 2, they caw twice. Same with 1, 3 and 4. What’s more, they used different calls for different numbers. Animal cognition expert Heather Williams, a professor of biology at Williams College in Massachusetts, says, “No one should be surprised that crows are ‘smart.’” In the animal kingdom, counting isn’t limited to crows. Chimpanzees have been taught to count in numerical order and understand the value of numerals. In attempting to woo mates, some male frogs count the number of calls from competing males to match or even one-up that number when it’s their turn to croak at a female. Scientists have even theorized that ants retrace their paths back to their colonies by counting their steps.
* That’s nothin’. I know a Big Bird that can count to ten, and a frog that can sing “Rainbow Connection.”
* They can only count to four? So they’re nowhere near being able to count the number of dumb studies done by the University of Tübingen.
* I heard raccoons have figured out TV streaming.
* The dog behind us knows exactly how many barks it takes to get me off the couch to yell “Shut up.”
* Did they notice if the crows were cheating by counting on their toes?
* These crows that can count – guess what their favorite band is. C’mon – guess.
* Next, the University will look for animals that smash pumpkins.