Puzzle box innovation testing (Sciuridae)

Knowledge graph centered on Puzzle box innovation testing (Sciuridae) with 52 nodes and 163 connections. Top connected: Marmota flaviventris, Bombus, Bombus terrestris, Bombus appositus, Bombus impatiens.

Method synopsis

Deployment of novel puzzle boxes with multiple solution pathways to test problem-solving ability and innovation in wild animals. Video recorded trials allow detailed behavioral analysis of problem-solving strategies.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 4 papers using this protocol.

Procedure from a recent peer-reviewed implementation

Steps below were extracted from the most recent peer-reviewed implementation of this protocol in the corpus — Social position indirectly influences the traits yellow-bellied marmots use to solve problems (2021), Animal Cognition. The protocol was originally introduced by Can yellow-bellied marmots (<i>Marmota flaviventer</i>) learn foraging innovations? (2017). Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Puzzle box construction
   Constructed eight wood-framed, plexiglass puzzle boxes measuring 30.84 × 30.84 × 30.84 cm. Each box had two hinged sides - a lid with plexiglass protrusion that marmots could lift by gripping the protrusion or pushing up, and a door that marmots could pull open. Both solutions held shut by two 5.08 cm Velcro strips placed on either side of the plexiglass projection (lid) or small metal knob (door). Wooden frame and plywood sealed with two coats of polyurethane to prevent water damage and permit cleaning between deployments.
   Quantities: 8 puzzle boxes, dimensions 30.84 × 30.84 × 30.84 cm, 5.08 cm Velcro strips, plywood base 60.7 × 50.8 cmDuration: Construction prior to field seasonConditions: Boxes designed to prevent flipping, affixed to plywood platform
   Equipment: wood frame, plexiglass, hinges, Velcro strips, polyurethane coating, plywood platform
2. Puzzle box deployment
   Deployed puzzle boxes from 3 June to 1 July 2018 at eight colonies. Multiple boxes placed at social groups within colonies depending on group size and distribution. Set out for total of 2 weeks at each colony, separated into two rotations: slow-valley rotation where boxes set out at four lower-elevation colonies (Gothic Townsite, River Annex, River Mound/Bench, Avalanche) and up-valley rotation at four higher-elevation colonies (Marmot Meadow, Picnic, Boulder, North Picnic). Boxes baited with horse feed before 07:00 h and freely accessible to marmots throughout morning.
   Quantities: 8 colonies, 2 weeks per colony, boxes set out before 07:00h daily

Typical Equipment

• puzzle boxes
• horse feed
• Browning cameras
• JWatcher 1.0 software

Output Measurements

• innovation success
• solution methods
• behavioral diversity
• persistence
• neophobia

Papers Using This Protocol (4)

Species Studied With This Protocol