Sensory differences mediate species variation in detour task performance

Animal species differ considerably in their ability to detour around a see-through obstacle to reach a goal positioned behind it. This variation is commonly assumed to derive from interspecific differences in the cognitive functions involved in the execution of the task, such as spatial abilities and inhibitory motor control. A teleost fish, the guppy, Poecilia reticulata, has recently been found to outperform many mammals and birds in this type...