How do animals use tools to solve problems?

Tool use is not just a human characteristic. Various animals have been observed using tools in the wild for various reasons. While animals using tools to solve problems is not a new concept, recent studies have shown that many species have a greater ability to use tools than previously thought.

Animals use tools in a variety of ways, such as for obtaining food, escaping predators, and shelter. For example, chimpanzees have been observed using sticks to extract insects from trees, and sea otters use rocks to break open shellfish.

What's remarkable about tool use is that animals are able to modify objects in their environment to serve a specific purpose. For example, New Caledonian crows are known for using sticks to obtain insects from trees. However, they will modify the stick by trimming it to a specific size and shape for the task at hand. This shows a level of problem-solving and foresight that was once thought to be unique to humans.

Studies have shown that tool use is not limited to primates or even mammals. Birds, cephalopods, and even insects have been observed using tools in the wild. These observations continue to broaden our understanding of animal behavior and cognition.