Chickens 'have Machiavellian tendencies like humans'

Melbourne, Aug 18 (ANI): Australian researchers have found that chickens communicate in their own language and have Machiavellian tendencies like humans.

Macquarie University's Lynn Smith and Chris Evans have done the study, reports News.com.au.

The researchers portrayed chickens as social and intelligent creatures, which alter what they say according to who's listening.

Doctor Smith said chickens, living in an environment where they struggle for food, shelter and mates, could become as cunning as humans.

The research has won the pair one of this year's Eureka prizes awarded for excellence in science by the Australian Museum. (ANI)