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Parrot Understands The Concept of Zero

According to this article, a parrot who lives in a research lab at Brandeis University has developed knowledge of a concept akin to the idea of zero in mathematics. The parrot, Alex, was presented with a number of colored blocks on a tray and asked to count how many were there, and when all of the items were cleared and he was asked to count how many were left on the tray, he repeatedly proclaimed “none”.

It’s not clear how much of Alex’s knowledge is a result of simply parroting the trainer, but the researchers claim with confidence that at some level, Alex’s understanding of this zero concept is indeed based on cognitive ability.