How do animals learn to do things and solve problems? A major characteristic exhibited by all living organisms is the ability to adapt to their environment and survive. Animals are able to achieve this in at least two ways: by learning and solving problems. Animals can learn and solve problems in many different ways, depending on their species, environment, and situation. In this video, we are going to be highlighting few of the ways animals learn and solve problems. We would love to hear from you as well in the comment section at the end of the video, as discovery in this field of research about animal cognition keeps evolving.
How do animals learn? Let us find the answer to that question by discussing at least 3 ways.

1. TRIAL AND ERROR
Some animals learn by trial and error, which means they try different actions until they find one that works. For example, a rat may learn to press a lever to get food by randomly exploring a cage and finding the lever by chance. A cat may learn to open a door by pawing, scratching, or pushing different parts of the door handle until it succeeds. A bird may learn to crack a seed by pecking, biting, or dropping it on different surfaces until it breaks. At times, animals learn from creatures with superior cognitive skills, like we humans. Trial and error learning can be improved in those cases when the animal gets a reward or a punishment for its actions. For example, a dog may learn to sit on command by getting a treat or a praise when it sits, and a scold or a slap when it does not.

2. IMITATION
Some animals learn by imitation, which means they copy the actions of another animal. For example, a monkey may learn to use a tool by watching another monkey use it. Parrots can learn to mimic human speech by imitating the sounds they hear from their owners or other humans. They can also learn to perform tricks or tasks by watching other parrots or humans do them. Imitation learning can be improved when the animal gets information or feedback from other animals. For example, a bird may learn to sing a song by listening to other birds and adjusting its own song. Amazing on this list of animals that learn by imitation are dolphins. Dolphins can learn to perform complex behaviors by imitating other dolphins or humans. For example, dolphins can learn to jump through hoops, balance balls, wave their fins or perform other acrobatic behaviors by copying their trainers or peers. Their outstanding ability to learn by imitating others is a result of having a large and complex brain. Their impressive mimicry and playful behavior has been used as a means of entertainment in the modern day world. You must have been amazed if you had seen such performances before!

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