In a groundbreaking 2023 study, German scientists explored the possibility that pigeons might be dreaming about flying. By monitoring the brainwaves of sleeping pigeons, researchers discovered intriguing patterns that suggest these birds could be replaying their waking experiences during sleep, particularly involving their flight activities. This revelation expands our understanding of animal cognition and the nature of sleep.
The study involved tracking the brainwave activity of pigeons as they slept, providing insight into their neural processes. Just like humans and other animals, pigeons appear to process and possibly dream about their daily experiences during the sleep cycle. The most striking observation was that the brainwaves of the pigeons mirrored those seen in other animals that experience REM (rapid eye movement) sleep—an essential phase linked to dreaming.
While this study is still in its early stages, it paves the way for future research into the complexities of animal consciousness. Understanding how animals like pigeons experience sleep and dreams could have implications for how we understand memory consolidation, behavior, and cognition across different species.
Souce : iflscience.com
