Flexible tool set transport in Goffin's cockatoos

The use of tool sets constitutes one of the most elaborate examples of animal technology, and reports of it in nature are limited to chimpanzees and Goffin's cockatoos. Although tool set use in Goffin's was only recently discovered, we know that chimpanzees flexibly transport tool sets, depending on their need. Flexible tool set transport can be considered full evidence for identification of a genuine tool set, as the selection of the second tool is not just a response to the outcomes of the use of the first tool but implies recognizing the need for both tools before using any of them (thus, categorizing both tools together as a tool set). In three controlled experiments, we tested captive Goffin's in tasks inspired by the termite fishing of Goualougo Triangle's chimpanzees. Thereby, we show that some Goffin's can innovate the use and flexibly use and transport a new tool set for immediate future use; therefore, their sequential tool use is more than the sum of its parts. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Wild Goffin's cockatoos flexibly manufacture and use tool sets

The use of different tools to achieve a single goal is considered unique to human and primate technology. To unravel the origins of such complex behaviors, it is crucial to investigate tool use that is not necessary for a species' survival. These cases can be assumed to have emerged innovatively and be applied flexibly, thus emphasizing creativity and intelligence. However, it is intrinsically challenging to record tool innovations in natural settings that do not occur species-wide. Here, we report the discovery of two distinct tool manufacture methods and the use of tool sets in wild Goffin's cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana). Up to three types of wooden tools, differing in their physical properties and each serving a different function, were manufactured and employed to extract embedded seed matter of Cerbera manghas. While Goffin's cockatoos do not depend on tool-obtained resources, repeated observations of two temporarily captive wild birds and indications from free-ranging individuals suggest this behavior occurs in the wild, albeit not species-wide. The use of a tool set in a non-primate implies convergent evolution of advanced tool use. Furthermore, these observations demonstrate how a species without hands can achieve dexterity in a high-precision task. The presence of flexible use and manufacture of tool sets in animals distantly related to humans significantly diversifies the phylogenetic landscape of technology and opens multiple avenues for future research. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Characterization and Comparative Analysis of Complete Mitogenomes of Three Cacatua Parrots (Psittaciformes: Cacatuidae)

Cacatua alba, Cacatua galerita, and Cacatua goffiniana are parrots of the family Cacatuidae. Wild populations of these species are declining with C. alba listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) as Endangered. In this study, complete mitogenomes were sequenced for a comparative analysis among the Cacatua species, and a detailed analysis of the control region. Mitogenome lengths of C. alba,C. galerita, and C. goffiniana were 18,894, 18,900, and 19,084 bp, respectively. They included 13 protein coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 24 transfer RNA genes, three degenerated genes, and two control regions. Ten conserved motifs were found in three domains within each of the two control regions. For an evolution of duplicated control regions of Cacatua, domain I and the 3′ end of domain III experienced an independent evolution, while domain II and most of the regions of domain III was subjected to a concerted evolution. Based on a phylogenetic analysis of 37 mitochondrial genes, the genus Cacatua formed a well-supported, monophyletic, crown group within the Cacatuidae. Molecular dating results showed that Cacatua diverged from other genera of Cacatuinae in the middle of Miocene.