Social learning by imitation in a reptile (Pogona vitticeps)

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kingofnobbys

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Interesting study : Social learning by imitation in a reptile (Pogona vitticeps)
Anna Kis, Ludwig Huber, Anna Wilkinson
Animal Cognition Journal January 2015, Volume 18, Issue 1, pp 325–331
abstract :
Abstract

The ability to learn through imitation is thought to be the basis of cultural transmission and was long considered a distinctive characteristic of humans. There is now evidence that both mammals and birds are capable of imitation. However, nothing is known about these abilities in the third amniotic class—reptiles.
Here, we use a bidirectional control procedure to show that a reptile species, the bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), is capable of social learning that cannot be explained by simple mechanisms such as local enhancement or goal emulation.
Subjects in the experimental group opened a trap door to the side that had been demonstrated, while subjects in the ghost control group, who observed the door move without the intervention of a conspecific, were unsuccessful.
This, together with differences in behaviour between experimental and control groups, provides compelling evidence that reptiles possess cognitive abilities that are comparable to those observed in mammals and birds and suggests that learning by imitation is likely to be based on ancient mechanisms

You will have to have access to the full article to read more.

Essentially , this confirms what most keepers have known for a long time about the learning strategies and learning ability of captive / pet bearded dragons . They are not dumb as bricks and not entirely driven by instinct and some are "smarter" than others.

Aside this is also applicable to monitors , geckos, and skinks.
 

CooperDragon

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I recall reading this (or similar) a while back. I know it's about them imitating eachother, but I've since tried repeating actions and trying to teach Darwin by getting him to imitate me. Not much luck so far :lol:
 

CooperDragon

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claudiusx":1u1ll7hc said:
I have a funny mental image in my head now :lol:

-Brandon

It's probably pretty accurate. Things like trying to teach him that he can rub his face sheds on the (relatively rough) carpet. And sticking his tongue out to get some water :lol:
 

Claudiusx

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CooperDragon":3q4znd5q said:
claudiusx":3q4znd5q said:
I have a funny mental image in my head now :lol:

-Brandon

It's probably pretty accurate. Things like trying to teach him that he can rub his face sheds on the (relatively rough) carpet. And sticking his tongue out to get some water :lol:

Hahaha that literally made me laugh.
Oh the silly things we will do for our dragons LOL.

-Brandon
 
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