Which bear species learned to choose larger or smaller dot quantities on a computer screen?

The American black bear learned to choose larger or smaller quantities of dots on a computer screen. In the study, three American black bears were trained to select dot arrays according to number, using a touchscreen positioned at the front of their enclosure.

The bears were not all trained to make the same choice: Brutus learned to choose the larger array, while Dusty and Bella learned to choose the smaller one. The arrays ranged from one to ten dots, and the researchers varied dot size, movement and overall area to test whether the animals were responding to number rather than simply choosing the visually larger display.

The bears performed comparisons involving both stationary and moving dots. One bear could select the smaller subset even when total dot area was not a reliable cue, an important control because a group of many tiny dots can occupy less space than a group of a few large dots.

This was not evidence that bears use written numerals or count exactly like humans. It demonstrated quantity estimation and comparison in a non-social mammal. The species is also called Ursus americanus, and it is distinct from the polar bear, sun bear and giant panda.