We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

Which Animals Use Tools?

Updated: Jun 04, 2024
Views: 3,795
Share

The octopus is the only invertebrate that is known to use tools. Scientists discovered in 2009 that octopuses stack and carry coconut shell halves to make a protective shelter — portable body armor, if you will. Before this discovery, it was assumed that only humans and other vertebrates, like primates, birds, and elephants, used tools.

More on animals using tools:

  • Egyptian vultures are known to use rocks as hammers to smash open ostrich eggs. This is considered different from other birds dropping eggs to break them, since those birds do not actually manipulate the tool with their body.

  • Orangutans are able to learn how to pick locks using only a paper clip.

  • Sea otters are often seen carrying around rocks, which they use to pound open stubborn shellfish.
Share

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/which-animals-use-tools.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.