Functional fixedness

Biological Parallel

Tool-using species demonstrate both the power and limit of functional fixedness. New Caledonian crows manufacture tools and solve metatool problems but resist reconfiguring familiar tool shapes. Chimpanzee populations with strong tool traditions show less flexibility than less experienced groups. Capuchin monkeys with more tool experience are slower to adapt when requirements change. Sea otters prefer familiar rocks over better alternatives. The pattern: expertise enables performance within a function and constrains perception of alternative functions.