Freshwater Stingrays Possess the Ability to use Tools
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Did you know stingrays can use tools? Yeah, neither did I, but apparently it’s true.
According to a study published in Animal Cognition, South American freshwater stingrays were given a series of tests to evaluate their problem-solving ability. Researchers found the stingray actually has cognitive abilities—which can rival mammals, birds and reptiles—that were shown through the stingrays’ ability to extract food from a plastic pipe by use of interesting tools: their bodies and water.
The stingrays are able to move and change their bodies in a way that creates a water flow that will bring food to them. They can also use jets of water to dislodge food that may be stuck between rocks, plants, or (in this case) in a pipe.
Stingrays are actually related to sharks and as such, they share similar traits. One in particular is their skeletal structure, which is not made of bone, but instead comprised of cartilage. Scientists previously assumed that cartilaginous fish have limited cognitive abilities—mainly because they are not an easy species to study. We all know where assuming will get you, so, thankfully, Dr. Michael Kuba, took the initiative to replace assumption with a more sensible study.
Testing the stingrays’ ability to remove food from a plastic tube was only one portion of the study. The stingrays were also tested on whether or not they could tell the difference between black and white. In this case, assumption was clearly proven wrong, as the stingrays did extremely well on all tests.
Dr. Kuba is certainly pleased with the results of the study. Not only does it show that creatures like the stingray are capable of tool usage and harnessing cognitive abilities, but he also believes it may reveal some insight on the vertebrate thought process:
“They are members of one of the oldest lines of vertebrates and to know more about their abilities will help us to learn more about the evolution of cognition in vertebrates.”
It certainly is an interesting find. I would suggest the next time you go to visit a large aquarium or for a dive in stingray-inhabited water, take some time to watch them. See for yourselves if their actions show more purpose than previously thought.
By Heidi Marshall
I have been with GreenFudge for about a year now, but I've had a passion for Nature my entire life. When I'm not writing articles, you can find me out hiking, gardening, working on green craft projects, or taking photos for my website. You can check out the site at http://arkisaeo.com
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Tags: cognitive abilities, freshwater stingrays, river stingrays, stingray, study, tool usage
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