What is it about?
Research on dexterity has so far focused mainly on the primate hand. However, anyone who has observed a parrot manipulating a nut or seed might notice that its beak can perform many functions typically attributed to hands. In this article, we combine dexterity theory with insights from parrot morphology and cognition to argue that parrot beaks represent a compelling model system for studying dexterity.
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Why is it important?
Our understanding of dexterity is strongly anthropocentric. Studying non-human species, especially those without hands, can reveal the fundamental principles underlying dexterity and broaden our understanding of how dexterous behavior can be achieved across different morphologies.
Perspectives
This article aims to inspire researchers across morphological, physiological, biomechanical, behavioral, and related disciplines to take a closer look at the parrot beak.
Özge Nasa
Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Inside the parrot beak-and-tongue apparatus: Unlocking a model system for dexterity research., Journal of Comparative Psychology, February 2026, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/com0000440.
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