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Complexity in animal behaviour: towards common ground

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Abstract

The ambiguity of the term ‘complex’ in studies of animal behaviour and cognition can lead to theoretical and methodological disputes, as there seems to be little common ground regarding the features thought to introduce complexity. Based on examples not only in human and nonhuman primates but also in some species of birds, we explore three dimensions of complexity: motor precision, coordination, and anticipatory planning. We argue that it is necessary to identify which dimensions are present in each study to formulate and explore relevant questions in behavioural sciences, especially with an evolutionary perspective.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a postdoctoral research grant from the Fyssen foundation. The core idea of this article stems from discussions with the researchers attending the Tarragona Laterality Conference in February 2013.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Octogone-ECCD, University of Toulouse—Jean Jaurès, 5 allées Antonio Machado, 31058, Toulouse Cedex 9, France

    Hélène Cochet

  2. Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution, Scottish Primate Research Group, University of St Andrews, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, St Mary Squad, South Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9JP, UK

    Richard W. Byrne

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  1. Hélène Cochet
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  2. Richard W. Byrne
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Correspondence to Hélène Cochet.

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Cochet, H., Byrne, R.W. Complexity in animal behaviour: towards common ground. acta ethol 18, 237–241 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10211-014-0205-5

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