Study of variability of cognitive performance in captive fallow deer (Dama dama) through g and c factors

• Published in: Journal of veterinary behavior 2022-01, Vol.47, p.70-85
• Main Authors: Pastrana, Carlos Iglesias, Navas González, Francisco Javier, Pizarro Inostroza, María Gabriela, Arando Arbulu, Ander, Delgado Bermejo, Juan Vicente, Ruiz Aguilera, Maria Josefa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cognitive test battery; Dama dama; general intelligence factor; individual variation
• ISSN: 1558-7878
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.10.001

Psychometric studies reveal a variability that ranges between 30 and 75 % for different cognitive processes, both in humans and non-human animals. This variability has been ascribed to a “general intelligence” factor (g). Current studies implemented in non-human animals to identify individual differences in cognitive skills are still far from those applied in humans. We tested for cognitive performance in a fallow deer herd using a test battery of eight tasks based on measures for cognitive development in untamed confined wild animals: motor control, spatial memory, colour and tone discrimination and inversion, inhibitory control and symbol discrimination tests. g factor explained 60 % of the variability in cognitive performance. Significant correlations, both positive and negative, were found between the different cognitive processes studied. Likewise, the cognitive performance of the group was affected by a “collective intelligence” factor (c), inferred through variables describing the hierarchical structure of the studied population but which, however does not affect individual intelligence quotient of the members of the group.