Rats free each other from cages, then share chocolate intended to distract them

[Valmar]

Link:

http://www.nature.com/news/rats-free-each-other-from-cages-1.9603

Excerpt:

Rats, often anthropomorphized as greedy and selfish, may not be the callous, cartoon villains they are sometimes made out to be. A paper published today in Science demonstrates that the rodents will liberate trapped cage-mates — even when they have nothing to gain1.

There is a growing body of research showing that animals respond to the emotions of others. But it wasn't certain whether rats could suppress their own distress in order to aid another rat.

Well, while I'm personally surprised that studies are even needed to show that "animals respond to the emotions of others", when I thought it should be blatantly obvious to any carefully observant thinkers, I guess it is necessary in today's crazy, materialistic western society in general.

Thoughts?

 

[Ufostrahlen]

Somebody should do LD50 tests with animal researchers. Not me, as I treasure my karma, but they deserve it. Maybe some alien gods? Pretty please? Let them taste their own medicine.

 

[null24]

Well, while I'm personally surprised that studies are even needed to show that "animals respond to the emotions of others",

You shouldn't be surprised. While simple observation of animal behavior will show communication and various subtle interaction, im pretty sure the majority of people don't consider them to have much if any cognitive ability. It's unfortunate and small minded, yes, maybe studies like this could change those perceptions?

 

[Valmar]

It's unfortunate and small minded, yes, maybe studies like this could change those perceptions?

That's what I meant by it being necessary... and maybe not just in western society, but all human societies as a whole.

 

[Valmar]

Somebody should do LD50 tests with animal researchers. Not me, as I treasure my karma, but they deserve it. Maybe some alien gods? Pretty please? Let them taste their own medicine.