Overview
- A study published in *Scientific Reports* tested the problem-solving abilities of emus, rheas, and ostriches using a rotating puzzle designed to access food rewards.
- Emus successfully solved the puzzle on their first attempt and consistently chose the most efficient solution in 90% of cases during repeated trials.
- A male rhea demonstrated an additional problem-solving strategy by dismantling the puzzle mechanism, showcasing further innovation.
- Ostriches in the study did not exhibit innovative problem-solving behavior during the tests.
- Researchers suggest these findings indicate that technical innovation in birds may have evolved earlier than previously thought, offering insights into both bird cognition and the behavior of their dinosaur ancestors.