Have you always imagined that the turtles were reserved animals with a slightly cold adole? Research by the University of Lincoln brought to light a surprising result: the Turtles with red legs (Chelonoidis Carbonaria) can try lasting moodsjust as birds and mammals do. The study opens new prospects on emotional consciousness of reptilesanimal category for a long time deemed not very sensitive from an emotional point of view.
The team used a method known as cognitive bias testalready applied in humans and other animals, which allows you to deduce the mood through the reaction to ambiguity. In practice it is observed if the animal interprets unclear situations so optimistic or pessimisticstarting from the assumption that the reaction reflects it basic emotional state.
The researchers involved 15 turtlesshowing that those inserted in more environments stimulating and enriched They tended to react more positively to ambiguous stimuli. This behavior suggests a favorable disposition, similar to that which would be observed in individuals of good mood.
Behaviors and stress: the bond is evident
The link between emotions and behavior was further confirmed by a series of anxiety testin which turtles were exposed to unknown objects and environments. The more specimens optimists In the cognitive test they were also less anxiousstrengthening the idea that their behavior is influenced by one internal and lasting mood.
This study marks a paradigm change in the way we consider the reptiles, which prove that we have one more complex emotional life of what was thought. In an era when reptiles are becoming increasingly widespread petsit is essential to re -evaluate the Wellness rules applied to their management, both in captivity and in nature.
The fact that even reptiles can experience emotions shows that the affective states they could be widespread among several species of what is imagined. Since the reptiles are an evolutionary group distant from birds and mammals, this suggests that the ability to experience moods and feelings has evolved much earlier than so far hypothesized.
