cognitive biases in animals

Cognitive biases in animals are systematic patterns of deviation from rational thinking, affecting how they perceive and react to their environment. These biases shape behaviors based on past experiences, emotions, or environmental cues, often helping them make quick decisions. For example, an animal might overly focus on a familiar threat, ignoring new dangers, or prefer familiar foods despite better options. These biases are natural and can improve survival in certain contexts, but they sometimes lead to mistakes. Understanding these biases helps us better comprehend animal behavior and their decision-making processes in complex environments.