Differences in persistence between dogs and wolves in an unsolvable task in the absence of humans.

摘要: Despite being closely related, dogs perform worse than wolves in independent problem-solving tasks. These differences performance have been attributed to dogs' greater reliance on humans, who are usually present when tasks presented. However, more fundamental motivational factors or behavioural traits such as persistence, motor diversity and neophobia may also be responsible for task performance. Hence, better understand what drives the between wolves' performance, it is essential test them absence of humans. Here, we tested equally raised kept with two unsolvable tasks, a commonly used paradigm study behaviour these species. Differently from previous studies, ensured no humans were testing situation. We that was start, which eliminated possibility specific manipulative behaviours reinforced. This allowed us measure both persistence accurately. In line found persistent dogs. linked contact latency. Finally, subjects consistent their results suggest motivation interact objects drive Since correlates success, neophobia, influenced by species' ecology, our support socioecological hypothesis, postulates different ecological niches species (dogs evolved primarily scavengers thrive around human refuse, while group hunters low hunting success rate) have, at least partly, shaped behaviours.