Squirrels have an ability to recall where they have placed a nut months after having done so, they strategically place nuts by the type and size to enhance their understanding of its whereabouts.
University of Exeter scientists found grey squirrels quickly remembered how to solve a problem they had not seen for almost two years.
– Science Daily
This complex behaviour in squirrels shows that their ability to recall memory from extensive periods of time.
10 FUN FACTS ABOUT SQUIRRELS
- There are over 200 species of squirrels, including tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels.
- Squirrels have excellent vision and are able to see colors, which helps them to locate food sources.
- Squirrels are known for their ability to climb trees, but they are also good swimmers and can swim up to 1 mile (1.6 km) in distance.
- Squirrels have a special muscle that allows them to gnaw on hard nuts and seeds without damaging their teeth.
- Squirrels have a habit of burying nuts and seeds in the ground, which helps to spread plants and trees across a wider area.
- Squirrels can jump up to 10 times their body length in one leap.
- Squirrels can communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, including chirps, clicks, and barks.
- Some squirrels have been known to use their tails as umbrellas to keep themselves dry during rainstorms.
- The word “squirrel” comes from the Greek word “skiouros,” which means “shadow-tailed.”
- Squirrels have been known to “fake” burying their food in order to throw off potential food thieves.
SQUIRRELS HAVE AN IMPRESSIVE MEMORY RECALL
Spatial memory:
Squirrels have an excellent spatial memory, which means they can remember the locations of food sources and hide their food in multiple locations. They rely on this memory to retrieve the food when they need it.
Long-term memory:
Squirrels have long-term memory, which means they can remember where they buried their nuts and seeds for several months. This is important because they need to find their hidden food during the winter months when food is scarce.
Episodic memory:
Squirrels also have episodic memory, which allows them to remember specific events or experiences. For example, they can remember which areas are safe or dangerous and avoid them accordingly.
Associative memory:
Squirrels have associative memory, which means they can remember a sequence of events or actions that lead to a specific outcome. For example, they can remember which trees have the best food and visit them regularly.
Recognition memory:
Squirrels have recognition memory, which allows them to remember specific individuals or animals that they encounter. This helps them to identify friends and foes and make decisions accordingly.
CAN THE MEMORY OF SQUIRRELS HELP TREAT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
The study of squirrel memory may provide some insights into treating Alzheimer’s disease, but it is important to note that there are significant differences between the memory systems of squirrels and humans. While squirrels rely primarily on spatial and object recognition memory, humans rely on a more complex network of memory systems, including episodic memory, semantic memory, and procedural memory.
That being said, research on squirrel memory has identified some promising avenues for Alzheimer’s research. For example, one study found that squirrels have a high level of expression of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, a region of the brain that is important for memory formation. BDNF is also important for maintaining and repairing neurons, which are damaged in Alzheimer’s disease. This suggests that increasing BDNF levels in the human brain may be a potential therapeutic approach for treating Alzheimer’s.
Additionally, researchers are studying the effects of exercise on squirrel memory. Studies have shown that regular exercise can improve cognitive function in humans, including memory. If these findings translate to squirrels, it could suggest that exercise may also be beneficial for preventing or treating Alzheimer’s disease.
While research on squirrel memory may not provide a direct solution to treating Alzheimer’s disease, it can provide valuable insights into the workings of memory systems and potential therapeutic approaches for preventing or treating cognitive decline.
