Ezo squirrel (Provided by Minorukaz Nagahara, Asahikawa Medical University RI Research Facility)

The Zoological Society of Japan, Hokkaido Branch, 609th Branch Lecture

Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025, 17:30 - 18:30
Location: Hokkaido University, Faculty of Science, Building No. 5, 8th Floor, Room 813

Speaker: Dr. Takao Sasaki (Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester)

Title: Research on Group Thinking Using Pigeons and Ants

Abstract: The study of collective thinking—a phenomenon where groups of humans or animals process information as if they were a single "brain"—is a classical theme with a history spanning over a century. However, it remains poorly understood in what situations and through what mechanisms collective thinking in the natural world surpasses (or falls short of) individual thinking. In my laboratory, we tackle this question using the ant *Temnothorax rugatulus* and homing pigeons (*Columba livia*) as model systems. By applying cognitive performance measurement methods used in psychology for individuals, we compare the decision-making characteristics at both the collective and individual levels. Furthermore, through the analysis of experimental data and mathematical models, we aim to clarify "when" and "how" collective thinking emerges. In this seminar, in addition to past results, I will also introduce ongoing research on "collective learning."

The 609th Annual Meeting of the Zoological Society of Japan, Hokkaido Branch

Caretaker:
Wada Kazuhiro (Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University)
wada[a]sci.hokudai.ac.jp
Please change [a] to @.