Investigatory behavior is a form of behavior exhibited by animals that involves exploration of their environment and learning about objects within it. It is a key component of adaptive behavior, allowing animals to gain knowledge and understanding of their surroundings. It plays an important role in the development of cognitive abilities, such as problem solving, decision making, and planning. Investigatory behavior has been studied in a variety of species, including primates, rodents, and birds.
Investigatory behavior involves the active exploration of the environment in search of information. Animals may explore objects and the environment in a variety of ways, such as by touching, smelling, or tasting. Investigatory behavior is typically seen when an animal encounters a novel object or situation. The animal will approach the object and investigate it by examining it from different angles and manipulating it with its paws, beak, or other body parts. This type of exploratory behavior can help the animal learn about its environment and the objects in it.
Investigatory behavior is an important component of adaptive behavior, as it allows animals to gain knowledge of their surroundings and respond appropriately to novel situations. This type of behavior can be observed in a variety of species, including primates, rodents, and birds. For example, primates have been observed to investigate objects by manipulating them with their hands and mouths, while rodents often investigate objects with their noses and paws. Birds, meanwhile, may explore objects by pecking and pulling at them with their beaks.
Investigatory behavior has also been linked to the development of cognitive abilities, such as problem solving, decision making, and planning. For example, studies have shown that primates that are exposed to novel objects are more likely to develop problem solving skills than those that are not exposed to novel objects. Similarly, rats that engage in investigatory behavior are more likely to develop decision-making abilities than those that do not.
Overall, investigatory behavior is an important component of adaptive behavior, allowing animals to gain knowledge and understanding of their environment. It is also linked to the development of cognitive abilities, such as problem solving, decision making, and planning. Investigatory behavior has been studied in a variety of species, including primates, rodents, and birds, and is an important factor in the development of adaptive behavior.
References
Kamil, A. C., & Balda, R. P. (1987). An experimental analysis of the role of investigation in the development of problem solving in Clark’s nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana). Animal Behaviour, 35(1), 151-158.
Martin, P., & Bateson, P. (1993). Measuring behavior: An introductory guide (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Papini, M. R. (2008). Investigatory behavior in animals. Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior, 1-3.
Rosenzweig, M. R., Breedlove, S. M., & Leiman, A. L. (Eds.). (1996). Biological psychology (3rd ed.). Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates.