Question

Alex was an African Grey parrot who displayed _____.

a) self-awareness
b) numerical ability
c) algorithms
d) the availability heuristic.

Answer 1

Alex the African Grey parrot showed self-awareness and numerical ability, which demonstrate complex cognitive skills, rather than using algorithms or the availability heuristic.

Step-by-step explanation:

Alex was an African Grey parrot who displayed a significant level of cognitive skills that allowed him to make decisions based on his understanding and learning. Among the options provided, Alex notably exhibited both self-awareness and numerical ability. These abilities highlight the advanced cognitive capabilities that some animal species possess. Alex's skills were part of research that aimed to understand animal cognition, particularly in terms of language and problem-solving abilities. He did not display the ability to utilize algorithms or employ the availability heuristic, which are more closely associated with human cognitive processes. In humans, heuristics, like the availability heuristic, refer to mental shortcuts that often involve basing decisions on information that is most readily available to memory.

Answer 2

b) numerical ability

Step-by-step explanation:

Alex was the grey parrot which was bought by Irene Pepperberg, an animal psychologist. He was subjected to an experiment related to language earning for thirty years. The name Alex was an abbreviated form of Avian Language Experiment. Through the experiment, the scientists wanted to research on the level of intelligence which birds can possess.