Researcher looking at thinking and learning ability of Port Jackson sharks
MOSMAN scientist and PhD candidate Catarina Vila Pouca is investigating the thinking and learning ability of Port Jackson sharks. She wants so show they learn just as well as humans.
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THERE’S a nursery with a difference in Sydney.
The tiny tots here are undoubtedly cute but they have distinctive fins and love splashing about in the water.
The Port Jackson shark pups are part of a research project at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science in Mosman.
Scientist Catarina Vila Pouca is investigating their spatial and social cognition for her PhD studies.
“It’s really hard to study cognition in non-human animals in general,” she said.
“We really need to think like a fish and try and think of different methods.”
The pups excitedly rise to the surface of their tanks when Ms Vila Pouca arrives in the lab.
She doesn’t know if they can tell it’s her or if they are just excited about being fed.
“I’m not sure if they recognise me specifically or if they recognise someone is coming to feed them,” she said.
“Our faces for animals are more like objects. Sharks are capable of object discrimination and learn to associate food with a specific object.”
Ms Vila Pouca, who is studying at Macquarie University, explained that sharks have long-term memories. She loves working with the creatures and hopes that through her work she can change people’s minds about sharks.
“Since I was a kid I wanted to work with sharks, I love them,” she said.
“Most people don’t understand them and are afraid of them.
“I wanted to show the world how smart they actually are and change people’s ideas.”
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