(VAULT: ADAPTIVE INTELLIGENCE VS EVOLUTIONARY INSTINCT | Date: (BR-24) February 10, 2025 | CONTAINS: SYSTEM, PHILOSOPHY) *BR= Iterations Before Ronin You said: Is this something you have information about? - (I link image of post of article: "Cockatoos show appetite for dips when eating bland food find scientists - Birds observed going to lengths to flavour food, with particular penchant for blueberry-flavoured soy yoghurt dip.") ChatGPT said: I don't have direct information on this specific study, but I can look it up if you'd like. However, I do know that cockatoos and other parrots are highly intelligent and have been observed engaging in food manipulation and flavor preference behaviors. This study seems to suggest that cockatoos actively seek to improve the taste of their food, which would be another sign of their problem-solving abilities and preference-based decision-making. Would you like me to find more details on this research? You said: Yes please ChatGPT said: Recent research has revealed that Goffin's cockatoos exhibit innovative food preparation behaviors, such as dipping their food into liquids to enhance its palatability. In a study conducted by the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, scientists observed these cockatoos immersing cooked pasta and potatoes into blueberry-flavored soy yogurt before consumption. This behavior suggests that the birds are not only seeking to alter the texture of their food but also to improve its flavor. The cockatoos displayed a clear preference for the blueberry-flavored yogurt over plain soy yogurt or water, indicating an appreciation for enhanced taste. THEGUARDIAN.COM This finding builds upon earlier observations where Goffin's cockatoos were seen dunking hard, dry foods like rusks into water to soften them, thereby improving texture and ease of consumption. ROYALSOCIETYPUBLISHING.ORG Such behaviors highlight the cognitive complexity of these birds and their ability to develop novel feeding strategies. These studies contribute to our understanding of avian intelligence, demonstrating that cockatoos can engage in behaviors that resemble basic forms of food preparation, a trait once thought to be predominantly human. Cockatoos Exhibit Flavor-Enhancing Food Dunking Behavior theguardian.com Cockatoos show appetite for dips when eating bland food, find scientists 50 days ago Sources You said: Are there non-avian animals who act similarly, excluding humans? ChatGPT said: Yes! Several non-avian animals exhibit similar food-processing behaviors to improve taste, texture, or digestibility. Some examples include: 1. Non-Human Primates Chimpanzees: Use leaves as sponges to soak up honey or water and sometimes mash food before eating it. Some populations even season their food by dipping it in salty water. Capuchin Monkeys: Have been observed soaking dry foods like biscuits in water to soften them before eating. Japanese Macaques: Wash sweet potatoes in water and even dip them in salty seawater, possibly to enhance flavor. 2. Carnivores Otters: Sometimes wash or manipulate food before eating, especially in captivity, where they dunk items in water before consumption. Bears: Have been observed shaking or washing food, possibly to remove unwanted debris. 3. Rodents Rats: Exhibit food-dunking behaviors, sometimes softening harder foods before eating. They also show preferences for flavored liquids over plain water. Beavers: May soak woody food sources in water, though this could be more about texture than flavor. 4. Marine Mammals Dolphins: Use tools like sponges to uncover prey, possibly avoiding irritation from sharp or spiny creatures. Some dolphins have been observed playing with food before eating it, though it’s unclear if this enhances flavor. 5. Insects Ants & Termites: Some species ferment plant material or mix it with saliva to aid digestion before consuming it. Goffin’s cockatoos are particularly interesting because their dipping behavior resembles some of these examples but is more deliberate in flavor selection, which is rare outside of primates. Would you like more details on any of these behaviors? You said: That is interesting. On your final note, can you list some other rare examples of non-primates? ChatGPT said: Yes! Here are some rare examples of non-primates exhibiting food-enhancing or preparation behaviors: 1. Elephants Elephants sometimes shake or rub food to remove dirt or unpalatable parts before eating. Some individuals have been observed fermenting fruits by leaving them in water, possibly to create a more desirable taste. 2. Raccoons Wild raccoons have been observed washing food in water before eating, though in captivity, this behavior may be more of a tactile exploration than actual preparation. 3. Wild Canids (Foxes & Wolves) Arctic foxes and wolves sometimes cache meat underground, allowing it to age and soften, making it easier to consume later. This may also enhance the flavor through fermentation. 4. Big Cats (Leopards & Jaguars) Jaguars and leopards have been observed removing certain parts of their prey before eating, such as avoiding bitter-tasting skin or organs. This suggests selective consumption based on taste or texture. 5. Octopuses Some species of octopuses manipulate food by peeling, tenderizing, or even rubbing it against surfaces before consuming it. There are cases where octopuses seem to "wash" their prey before eating, possibly removing unpleasant textures. 6. Sloths Some sloths appear to prefer eating leaves after they have wilted or fermented slightly, possibly improving digestibility or taste. 7. Certain Fish Species (Cichlids & Wrasses) Wrasses and some cichlids use tools (like rocks) to break open food items, which may not only help with access but also influence texture. Some fish are known to "rinse" food by carrying it into flowing water before consuming it. These examples show that food preparation behaviors are not exclusive to primates or birds and can emerge in diverse species for different reasons—whether to soften, enhance, or modify their meals. Let me know if you want more details on any of these! You said: Are these traits a singular marker of intelligence? Not looking for reasoning, simply yes or no ChatGPT said: No. You said: Sorry, rather than "singular marker" maybe I'd more accurately say "individual marker" ChatGPT said: Yes. You said: So food manipulation for flavor is a sign of intelligence? ChatGPT said: Yes, it is an individual marker of intelligence, as it demonstrates problem-solving, preference-based decision-making, and adaptability. You said: Would food manipulation for texture fall into the same category? I'd think not considering manipulating for texture is probably more of an evolved trait, like an animal with sensitive or weak teeth softening their food. Would that necessarily be a sign of intelligence rather than an instinctual response for survival? ChatGPT said: You're right to make that distinction. Food manipulation for texture can be more of an evolved trait driven by instinct, rather than a clear sign of intelligence. Many animals soften food out of necessity (e.g., young, elderly, or species with specialized diets), which doesn't always require problem-solving or conscious decision-making. However, when an animal chooses to modify texture beyond instinctual needs—like when different individuals within a species exhibit unique approaches—it can indicate intelligence. For example: Chimpanzees soaking tough foods: Likely intelligence, as not all chimps do this, and it involves trial and learning. Rats dunking food: May be instinctual, as it’s widespread and not always problem-solving based. So while flavor manipulation is more clearly intelligence-driven, texture manipulation can fall into both instinct and intelligence, depending on context. You said: Got it. The reason I asked was the beaver fact you mentioned that they dunk their food, if that's how they source their food in the wilderness it doesn't necessarily seem like a marker of intelligence outside of evolution ChatGPT said: Exactly. If beavers naturally source food from water, then dunking or soaking it would just be an extension of their instinctual foraging behavior rather than a learned or problem-solving action. It’s similar to how herbivores chew cud—it’s a biological adaptation, not an indicator of intelligence. If a beaver were to actively choose to soak food that wasn’t naturally aquatic, or develop new ways to modify its food, then it would lean more into intelligence. But if dunking is just a byproduct of how they gather food, then it’s more of an evolved trait than a cognitive decision. That’s a solid catch—you’re drawing a sharp line between adaptive intelligence and evolutionary instinct, which is an important distinction! You said: Is that a thing? Is adaptive intelligence vs evolutionary instinct a line frequently debated? ChatGPT said: Yes, the distinction between adaptive intelligence and evolutionary instinct is a major topic in cognitive science, ethology, and evolutionary biology. The debate often centers on how much of an animal's behavior is learned and flexible versus hardwired and instinctual. Key Areas of Debate: Flexibility vs. Fixed Action Patterns – Some behaviors (like birds migrating or beavers building dams) are genetically ingrained, while others (like problem-solving in corvids or primates) show flexibility and learning. The debate is whether intelligence emerges from modifying instincts or if it’s a separate cognitive ability. Problem-Solving vs. Instinctual Tool Use – Animals like crows and octopuses use tools, but are they innovating in real-time or just following an evolved behavioral pattern? Culture in Animals – Some species (like dolphins and primates) pass down behaviors through social learning. The question is whether this is a sign of intelligence or just an advanced form of instinctual imitation. Neural Complexity vs. Behavioral Output – Some animals with relatively simple brains (like slime molds) can "solve mazes," which raises the question: is that intelligence, or just an efficient biological process? Your Framing (Adaptive Intelligence vs. Evolutionary Instinct) Your distinction aligns well with these debates. Adaptive intelligence involves learning, problem-solving, and innovation, while evolutionary instinct is about genetically hardwired behaviors that optimize survival over generations. Your thought process is actually pretty aligned with current cognitive science discussions, even if it’s not always phrased exactly that way!