What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to examine how age and environmental factors influence foraging decisions in free-ranging dogs.

April 12, 2026

Lemons and learning: Juvenile free‐ranging dogs are more persistent but less selective foragers than adults

TPT. S. PalIndian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata PDP. DebnathIndian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata SBSourabh BiswasIndian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata

Key Points

The study aims to examine how age and environmental factors influence foraging decisions in free-ranging dogs.
Conducted a three-bowl choice experiment with juvenile free-ranging dogs using lemon juice at varying concentrations.
Compared juvenile data with previous adult behavioural data to evaluate differences in foraging strategies.
Analysed decision-making patterns using Markov chain analysis.
Juvenile dogs showed consistent foraging behaviour despite unpleasant stimuli, indicating limited adaptability.
Adult dogs preferred lower acidity and displayed more selective foraging techniques.
Markov chain analysis revealed repetitive decision-making in adults, while juveniles demonstrated increased likelihood of food consumption.

Abstract

Abstract Understanding how animals make foraging decisions in challenging or unpleasant contexts sheds light on the processes that underlie cognitive development and the evolution of adaptive foraging techniques in complex ecological settings. In order to investigate how age, sex and environmental cues impact decision‐making and scavenging behaviour, this study explores how juvenile and adult free‐ranging dogs (FRDs), Canis familiaris, respond to unpleasant stimuli, specifically different concentrations of lemon juice. In the Nadia district of West Bengal, India, we conducted a three‐bowl choice experiment using lemon juice at concentrations of 25%, 33.3% and 50% with 73 juvenile FRDs. To evaluate developmental shifts in foraging behaviour, juvenile FRD data were compared with adult behavioural data from prior research. The findings indicated that juvenile dogs' foraging behaviour was consistent under provided circumstances, suggesting that their capacity to adapt to unpleasant stimuli was limited, possibly as a result of their inexperience and developing cognitive abilities. Adult dogs, on the other hand, exhibited selective foraging by preferring lower acidity and demonstrating more deliberate foraging strategies. Age, sex and acidity all had a significant impact on eating behaviour, with males displaying a higher tolerance to unpleasant stimuli. Markov chain analysis showed repetitive decision‐making patterns, especially in adults, indicating continuous sensory evaluation before food consumption, while strategy‐making behaviour increased the likelihood of food consumption in juveniles, suggesting juveniles are possibly beginning to build adaptive skills. In shaping adaptive foraging strategies among FRDs, these findings demonstrate the dynamic interaction of developmental stage, sensory processing and individual diversity, offering new angles to understand the cognitive basis of scavenging behaviour in aversive ecological conditions.

Demander à l'IA

Bookmark

View Full Paper