Fish Math: Can Our Aquatic Friends Really Count?
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Chapter 1: The Experiment
An intriguing study has demonstrated that certain popular aquarium fish possess the ability to perform basic arithmetic. Researchers have shown that these fish can learn to add and subtract numbers ranging from one to five.
Mathematical abilities may seem unusual, but they are surprisingly common across the animal kingdom. Various species, from tiny insects to larger mammals with sophisticated brains, exhibit these skills.
For instance, studies have indicated that invertebrates excel at basic calculations. Bees are known to count landmarks that assist them in navigating their environment, while desert ants, specifically Cataglyphis fortis, determine direction by monitoring the sun's position and counting the steps taken from their destination.
Interestingly, both lions and wolves demonstrate similar mathematical prowess. Depending on the type of prey, wolves adjust their hunting group sizes; researchers in Yellowstone observed packs of up to six wolves hunting elk, while larger groups of nine to thirteen were formed for hunting buffalo.
Conversely, dogs, which are descendants of wolves, appear to have lost this mathematical ability. The reason for this loss is simple: they no longer require counting for survival. The ability to estimate quantities or perform basic calculations is essential for many animals, aiding them in their quest for survival.
Section 1.1: Fish with Mathematical Abilities
In a groundbreaking study, two species of aquarium fish have joined the ranks of animal mathematicians. Researchers from the University of Bonn selected the Pseudotropheus zebra (also known as zebra mbuna) and the Potamotrygon motoro (commonly referred to as the stingray) to participate in their experiments, which were detailed in the scientific journal Scientific Reports.
The Pseudotropheus zebra is a striking blue fish adorned with dark vertical stripes, known for its aggressive and territorial nature. In contrast, the Potamotrygon motoro, which requires spacious aquariums, features its body covered in unique spots: dark rings encircling a lighter center.
To conduct their research, the scientists gathered sixteen fish—eight from each species—and created specialized aquariums for imaginative experiments.
Section 1.2: The Addition and Subtraction Challenge
The fish were challenged to add and subtract one. They were first shown a card displaying symbols in two colors: blue indicated addition, while yellow represented subtraction.
To increase the complexity, various shapes—triangles, squares, or circles—were used, though the key factors were the number of symbols and their colors. After viewing the card, the fish entered a section of the aquarium where they could choose between two possible answers. One area displayed the correct answer, while the other showed the incorrect one. A reward awaited those who selected the right answer.
For instance, if a fish saw a card featuring three blue symbols, its task was to add one (indicated by the blue color) to the three and then swim to the area representing four symbols.
Subsection 1.2.1: Which Fish Excelled?
The results revealed that Pseudotropheus zebra demonstrated superior mathematical abilities compared to stingrays. Six out of eight zebra mbunas successfully learned that blue signified adding one, while only three of the stingrays managed to grasp this concept. Additionally, the stingrays required significantly more practice—68 sessions—compared to the zebra mbunas, who needed only 28.
Both species performed slightly better in addition than subtraction, but this trend was only evident for numbers between one and five.
While the reason fish may need such skills remains unclear, scientists speculate that this ability to count symbols could assist them in identifying other fish based on the number of stripes or spots on their bodies.
The first video titled "PREVENT FISH DEATHS. How to Safely Add Substrate to an Established Aquarium. For Epic Planted Tanks!" explores essential tips for maintaining a healthy aquarium environment, ensuring that your fish thrive while introducing new substrates.
The second video, "Adding Fish! THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM..." discusses the nuances of introducing new fish into your aquarium, highlighting the potential challenges and strategies for a smooth transition.
Chapter 2: The Digital Representation of Our Bodies
As technology advances, our physical forms are increasingly being represented through digital tools and mappings. This transformation encompasses our fingers, eyes, and entire body...
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