July 22, 01:00

Giraffes demonstrate ability to solve simple math problems in exchange for carrots

A new study revealed that giraffes are capable of solving basic mathematical problems, performing addition operations to identify containers with the largest quantity of carrots, a finding considered a scientific novelty.

Study on numerical cognition

Although previous studies have confirmed numerical cognition in animals such as wolves and bees, giraffes were often overlooked in these investigations due to the relatively small size of their brains. However, a recent study conducted by researchers from Spain and Germany sought to assess the level of numerical ability in these animals, covering recognition, interpretation, and execution of simple or complex operations.

The specialists applied experiments using four giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) kept at the Barcelona Zoo in Spain. Carrots, a favorite food of giraffes, served as an incentive for mathematical reasoning. The animals observed containers with varying amounts of carrots (such as two or three items). After observation, the scientists sealed the containers and added more carrots to one of them, without the giraffes seeing the final amount.

Mental addition challenge

The task assigned was to select a container for consumption. However, determining which one had more carrots required more than just visual perception; it was necessary to retain the initial quantity and update this information after the addition, which essentially constitutes an addition operation.

Results and skill analysis

The results, published in the journal Scientific Reports, were quite positive. Two of the four giraffes, specifically the female Nuru and the male Njano, consistently selected the containers with the highest number of carrots across several tests. The other two giraffes only got it right when the container that received the addition of carrots was the last one handled by the researchers.

A section of the study points out that while two giraffes might have used more elementary tactics (such as avoiding the container manipulated by the experimenter), the others demonstrated success even when this strategy was not applicable, suggesting the possible use of more elaborate mental calculations.

Limits and continuation of research

The giraffes' abilities were tested in subtractions and multiplications, in which all animals failed. Based on this disparity in performance, the authors speculate that some giraffes may possess superior numerical aptitudes to others, potentially being able to solve more intricate mathematical problems.

This work follows a previous investigation, also published in 2023 in Scientific Reports, with giraffes from the same zoo. Initially, the animals chose containers with more carrots, and later, the containers contained a mixture of carrot and zucchini, yet the giraffes continued to correctly identify the largest quantity. This was the first indication of quantity comprehension, and now it is known that they perform small mathematical operations.

The expectation with this new research is to deepen the studies to understand how giraffes use mathematics and what factors support this ability. The authors suggest that such competencies may have evolved in response to the socioecological pressures found in nature, such as the need to monitor other individuals of the same species and their social bonds, or to manage a diversified diet that requires knowledge and memory of different food locations.

www.tehrantimes.comJuly 21, 22:15

Geography of the Strait of Hormuz: Its Connection to the Iranian Plateau and Strategic Importance

Examining the physical geography map of Iran reveals that the Strait of Hormuz is not merely a waterway, but a natural, submerged extension of the Iranian Plateau.

Geological and Coastal Feature

This truth is based on two key characteristics: the convexity (arc) of the coast towards the interior of Iran and the geological continuation of the seabed from the central Zagros mountain range. Thus, the strait is an integral part of the natural territory of the Iranian Plateau, and any other interpretation ignores undeniable geographical facts.

The convexity of the Iranian coast is not only a natural phenomenon but also a geometric design that has allowed Iran to fully control this narrow point. The deepest and only navigable channel for supertankers is located right near the apex of this arc and the Iranian islands of Qeshm, Larak, and Hengam. In fact, the 'lifeline' of maritime traffic flows within the geographical influence of Iran, and no country can access the Persian Gulf without passing under the shadow of this arc.

Strategic Location of Islands

The mentioned arc has formed the strait into a concave nose, along which lie the strategic islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, Qeshm, Larak, Hengam, and Hormuz. Military experts refer to these islands as 'unsinkable aircraft carriers'; they possess panoramic views and dominance over the shipping route without the need to move, forming the first line of defense for Iran's maritime borders.

The narrow width of the channel and the presence of shallow sedimentary areas along the edges of the arc create serious limitations for the maneuverability of foreign navies. Under such conditions, asymmetric tactics, such as 'mass deployment of fast attack craft' and 'laying sea mines,' become extremely effective. Iran, relying on complete knowledge of the seabed, controls the safety of this waterway.

Expansion of Control Zone

Furthermore, by extending the surveillance zone to Jask port, located east of the strait, the Islamic Republic of Iran has transformed this arc into a 'full crescent.' This allows the defensive line to extend beyond the narrowest point itself, enabling Iran to detect any movements kilometers before vessels enter the Persian Gulf from the Arabian Sea.

Geological and Economic Justification

From a geological perspective, the Strait of Hormuz is simply a submerged continuation of the Zagros mountain range and part of the Iranian Plateau. The sedimentary layers and salt domes beneath the strait perfectly match the structure of the southern continental part of Iran and arose from the same tectonic processes that formed the Iranian Plateau itself. Moreover, during the last Ice Age, the Persian Gulf was part of the landmass of the Iranian Plateau, and the Strait of Hormuz represented an ancient valley through which great rivers—the Karun and the Euphrates—flowed. This historical continuity testifies to the inalienable belonging of this seabed to the land of Iran.

Oil and gas reserves also confirm this reality. The vast oil and gas deposits beneath the strait are a natural continuation of the resources found on the southern mainland of Iran, which economically solidifies the inseparable link of this space with the territory of Iran.

Conclusion on Sovereignty

The convexity of the coastal arc and the geological continuation of the seabed are two sides of the same coin, making the Strait of Hormuz an integral part of the geographical body of Iran. On one hand, the geometry of the battlefield allows Iran to act as the 'gatekeeper' of the Persian Gulf and ensure the safety of this waterway. On the other hand, the natural continuation of the Iranian Plateau beneath the sea fundamentally refutes any claims that this space is separated from the homeland.

Based on these considerations, the Strait of Hormuz is part of the geographical reality of Iran, regardless of what was stipulated in treaties by colonial powers and maritime empires. Even raising the issue of joint management of the strait or involving coastal states in its administration contradicts the very natural geography of the strait. The Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized its full sovereignty over this strategic choke point, viewing any foreign interference as contrary to the natural and historical realities of the region.

super.abril.com.brJuly 21, 20:00

Stereotype of association between donkeys and lack of intelligence is analyzed from scientific and historical perspectives

The association of donkeys, mules, and hinnies with negative traits, such as stubbornness and low intelligence, has deep historical roots, spanning over two millennia and not limited to the Portuguese language. Expressions like 'stubborn as a mule' in English and 'más terco que una mula' in Spanish reflect this tradition.

Intelligence of Equids

However, this label is considered unfair, given that equids—which include horses, hinnies, donkeys, and mules—are intelligent animals. Scientific research has proven that they possess the capacity for long-term memory storage, establish complex social relationships, and can be trained to perform specific tasks.

Differentiation of Species and Hybrids

It is important to distinguish the species: horses (Equus caballus) and hinnies (Equus asinus) are distinct. Hinnies are also known by names such as asses, geldings, or jerries, and these terms can be used pejoratively. Donkeys and mules are classified as hybrids resulting from the crossbreeding of a mare and a male hinnie. A hybrid formed by crossing a male horse with a hinnie is called a bardot, which is less common due to difficulties in gestation and lower aptitude for work, although its name has not become an insult.

Challenges in Animal Management

Some specialists suggest that the stigma may be linked to the differences in managing these animals. Chiara Albano, a professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics of the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), explains that 'taming hinnies and donkeys is more challenging than taming horses, because their natural behaviors are different.' She exemplifies that, when faced with a predator or danger, while horses tend to flee and observe from a distance, the hinnie tends to stop and analyze the situation, freezing if it perceives danger or distrust to ensure its safety.

Historical References of the Stigma

This prejudice is extremely old. In Aesop's Fables, dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries BC, donkeys were already used to personify individuals who were naive, stubborn, and vain. An even older reference comes from a second-century book, where the Roman author Lucius Apuleius, in 'The Golden Ass,' narrates the story of a man who transforms into an ass. In this context, the Latin expression *asinina cogitatio*, which literally means 'donkey thought,' was used to designate foolishness.