PLoS Biology, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 17(2), P. e3000021 - e3000021

Published: Feb. 7, 2019

The ability to perceive and recognise a reflected mirror image as self (mirror self-recognition, MSR) is considered hallmark of cognition across species. Although MSR has been reported in mammals birds, it not known occur any other major taxon. Potentially limiting our test for taxa that the established assay, mark test, requires animals display contingency testing self-directed behaviour. These behaviours may be difficult humans interpret taxonomically divergent animals, especially those lack dexterity (or limbs) required touch mark. Here, we show fish, cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus, shows behaviour reasonably interpreted passing through all phases test: (i) social reactions towards reflection, (ii) repeated idiosyncratic mirror, (iii) frequent observation their reflection. When subsequently provided with coloured tag modified fish attempt remove by scraping body presence but no response transparent marks or absence mirror. This remarkable finding presents challenge interpretation test—do accept these behavioural responses, which are taken evidence self-recognition species during lead conclusion self-aware? Or do rather decide patterns have basis cognitive process than pass test? If former, what does this mean understanding animal intelligence? latter, application metric abilities?This Short Report received both positive negative reviews experts. Academic Editor written an accompanying Primer publishing alongside article (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3000112). linked complementary expert perspective; discusses how current study should context against self-awareness wide range animals.

Language: Английский