Animal intelligence is a fascinating and constantly evolving field. Through various research and studies, scientists have discovered that intelligence is not exclusive to humans; Many animal species demonstrate impressive cognitive abilities.
The Great Apes
Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are widely recognized for their intelligence. We share about 98% of our DNA with them, and their cognitive abilities are amazing. Chimpanzees use tools in their daily lives, such as branches to extract termites from their nests and stones to crack nuts. In addition, they have a complex social structure and can learn sign language.
Studies have shown that chimpanzees have superior short-term memory than humans in certain tasks. In an experiment conducted by Kyoto University, young chimpanzees outperformed adult humans on numerical memory tests.
Bonobos
Bonobos (Pan paniscus), often called "pygmy chimpanzees," are also extremely intelligent. They have a matriarchal social structure and resolve conflicts through sexual and socialization behaviors, which has earned them the reputation of being the "hippies" of the great ape world. Bonobos are able to understand and use sign language and have demonstrated impressive problem-solving and tool-using skills.
Gorillas
Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) are another species of great apes that demonstrate remarkable intelligence. Koko, a gorilla who was trained in sign language by Dr. Francine Patterson, learned to use more than 1,000 signs and understood about 2,000 words of spoken English. Gorillas also show a basic understanding of emotions and empathy, caring for other members of their group and showing sadness at the death of a companion.
Dolphins
Dolphins are known for their high intelligence and ability to communicate in complex ways. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are particularly famous for their ability to learn tricks, solve problems, and use tools. They use sounds and movements to communicate and can recognize themselves in a mirror, indicating a high level of self-awareness.
Research has shown that dolphins have an impressive long-term memory, being able to remember the characteristic whistles of other dolphins after more than 20 years of separation. They also participate in games and display altruistic behaviors, such as helping other injured dolphins.
Elephants
Elephants are known for their prodigious memory and complex social structure. They have large, highly developed brains, which allows them to have a rich and varied social life. Elephants can recognize themselves in a mirror, which is a sign of self-awareness. They are also able to use tools and carry out artistic activities.
A famous example of elephant intelligence is the elephant named Kandula, who used a stool to reach out-of-reach fruit in an experiment. Elephants also show signs of mourning and have rituals for dead members of their herd, indicating deep emotional understanding.
Parrots
Parrots, especially species such as African grays (Psittacus erithacus), are known for their ability to imitate human sounds and words. Alex, an African gray parrot studied by Dr. Irene Pepperberg, demonstrated an amazing ability to understand concepts such as same/different, bigger/smaller, and counting up to six objects. Alex could also identify colors and shapes, displaying cognitive abilities that rival those of non-human primates.
Parrots not only imitate sounds, but they also understand the context in which they are used. They can solve complex problems and use tools in their natural environment, making them among the most intelligent animals in the world.
Ravens and Crows
Crows and crows, members of the corvid family, are famous for their intelligence and problem-solving skills. New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) are especially known for their ability to make and use tools. In experiments, these crows have demonstrated the ability to bend wires to create hooks and extract food from containers.
Crows also show remarkable social intelligence. They are able to recognize human faces and remember whether a person has been a threat or a friend. Additionally, they participate in games and can solve complex problems, such as using stones to raise the water level and reach a floating prize.
Octopuses
Although octopuses are invertebrates, their intelligence is amazing. They have highly developed nervous systems and display impressive cognitive abilities. Octopuses can solve mazes, open jars for food, and use tools. They also have the ability to camouflage themselves and change shape to avoid predators.
In one famous experiment, an octopus named Otto in an aquarium in Germany learned to turn off the lights in his tank by spraying water at the bulb. This behavior shows an understanding of the environment and the ability to manipulate it for your own benefit.
Dogs
Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) have been human companions for thousands of years, and their social and emotional intelligence is remarkable. They can learn commands and tricks, and have a strong ability to understand and respond to human emotions. Some working dogs, such as guide dogs and search and rescue dogs, display advanced cognitive abilities.
Border Collies, in particular, are known for their high intelligence. A Border Collie named Chaser learned the names of more than 1,000 objects and could remember and bring back each one when asked. This level of language understanding is comparable to that of a young child.
Rats
Rats (Rattus norvegicus) are very intelligent animals that are often underestimated. They have the ability to solve mazes and remember routes, learn tricks, and display empathetic behaviors. In studies, rats have shown a surprising ability to make decisions and adapt to new situations.
Rats also exhibit empathetic behaviors. In one experiment, rats freed other trapped rats, even when this meant not receiving a food reward. This behavior suggests a level of empathy and social understanding that was not expected in these rodents.
Bees
Although bees (Apis mellifera) have tiny brains, their collective intelligence is impressive. Bees are able to communicate through bee dance, a complex system of movements that transmits information about the location of food sources. They are also able to solve simple mathematical problems and adapt their behavior to maximize nectar collection efficiency.
One study showed that bees could learn to pull a string to obtain a reward, a behavior that indicates an ability to learn and adapt to new situations.
Pig
Pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) are highly intelligent animals that are often underestimated. They have an excellent memory, can learn commands and tricks, and display complex social behaviors. In studies, pigs have shown the ability to solve problems, use tools, and recognize their own reflection in a mirror, indicating self-awareness.
Pigs also show an understanding of concepts and can remember object locations and complex routes. Their intelligence is often compared to that of dogs and, in some respects, even to that of non-human primates.
Recognizing intelligence in other species not only helps us better understand the natural world, but also forces us to reconsider our relationships and responsibilities toward these animals. Preserving their habitats and respecting their behaviors and capabilities are essential to ensuring that these species can continue to demonstrate their incredible abilities for generations to come.