Female mountain chickadees in monogamous relationships actively seek out extra-pair mates with better spatial intelligence, according to new research.
The Research
Biologists from Western University, led by Carrie Branch, studied wild mountain chickadees in the Sierra Nevada over three breeding seasons. They used automated 'smart' feeders that rewarded birds only at specific locations, tracking how many errors each bird made in relocating food. Fewer errors meant better spatial learning and memory.
Genetic paternity tests on 70% of nests revealed that a third of all chicks were sired by males outside the social pair. High-performing males—those with the fewest feeder errors—sired up to seven extra-pair young per year. Notably, females that scored poorly on the cognitive tests were the most likely to seek these trysts, suggesting a calculated strategy to offset their own genetic limitations.
Chicks from these extra-pair matings were heavier at fledging, which boosts survival. The study, published as a Reviewed Preprint in eLife, provides strong evidence that cognitive ability is a key trait females select for in mates.
Why It Matters
For humans, this study highlights how cognitive abilities are heritable and can influence mate choice across species. Spatial memory is crucial for everyday tasks like navigating new places or remembering where you parked. Just as chickadees benefit from superior memory, our own cognitive fitness can impact life outcomes—from academic performance to job success.
Understanding that intelligence is partly genetic doesn't mean it's fixed. Research shows that cognitive skills can be improved through training and practice, much like these birds hone their memory through food caching.
What You Can Do
You can boost your own spatial memory with simple habits: practice navigating without GPS, try memory games, or learn a new route. Engage in puzzles that challenge your mental mapping abilities. These activities strengthen the same neural circuits that help chickadees thrive.
Source: Neuroscience News
Curious about your own brain? Take our free adaptive IQ test or try 306 brain training levels.