Theory Of Mind In Animals

Ravens’ Fear of Unseen Snoopers Hints They Have Theory of Mind

New Scientist | February 2, 2016

Fears over surveillance seem to figure large in the bird world, too. Ravens hide their food more quickly if they think they are being watched, even when no other bird is in sight.
It’s the strongest evidence yet that ravens have a “theory of mind” – that they can attribute mental states such as knowledge to others.
Many studies have shown that certain primates and birds behave differently in the presence of peers who might want to steal their food. While some researchers think this shows a theory of mind, others say they might just be reacting to visual cues, rather than having a mental representation of what others can see and know.

Ravens could ‘possess a basic Theory of Mind’. Source: http://www.pulseheadlines.com/ravens-possess-basic-theory-mind-study/16368/

<more at https://www.newscientist.com/article/2076025-ravens-fear-of-unseen-snoopers-hints-they-have-theory-of-mind/; related links: https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17352-language-may-be-key-to-theory-of-mind/ (Language may be key to theory of mind. June 23, 2009) and https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13860-six-uniquely-human-traits-now-found-in-animals/ (Six ‘uniquely’ human traits now found in animals. May 22, 2008)>