excerpt from "African Grey Parrot Is First Bird To Comprehend Numerical Concept Akin To Zero"
Historically, the use of "zero" to label a null set has not always been obvious even in human cultures, which in many cases lacked a formal term for
zero as recently as the late Middle Ages. The value of number research lies mainly in its ability to help determine the extent of animal cognition and
animals' potential for more complex capacities. To that end, Dr. Pepperberg's studies on the avian brain are continuing with research into Alex's
ability to count, as well as add and subtract small quantities.
Yet significantly, Dr. Pepperberg's research, which uses a training method called the model-rival technique, also holds promise for teaching autistic
and other learning-disabled children who have difficulty learning language, numerical concepts and even empathy.
This is my first post like this, so sorry if it's in the wrong section.
I've been getting into studying animals and their behavior, and how they can learn or communicate. I find this fascinating, and hope that many
things can be learned from this to further education for both the learning disabled; but also humankind. I would like to see more research or
findings after this.
