There are 1.6 million animal species on Earth. Scientists continually study their lifestyles, behavioral patterns, and feeding habits. Research into animal intelligence and its relationship to human brain function is also significant. Scientists have identified 10 species of animals with exceptional intelligence.
Even a pig can think
Researchers from the United States have discovered that pigs possess certain cognitive skills similar to some other mammals. The following skills were documented:
- long-term memory;
- spatial orientation;
- working with objects (moving and placing them in the right position);
- the ability to understand the simplest symbolic languages and their various combinations;
- care, help and sympathy for one's fellow humans;
- ability to live in a team;
- adequate perception of the mirror (they look into it in search of food);
- moving the cursor on the screen to a designated point or object.
Closer to people: the rat mind
Rats evoke panic, fear, and disgust. But this doesn't stop rodents from living alongside humans. Because rats are smarter and more cunning than we might imagine. What makes them different from other mammals?
- collective intelligence: rats can live in a group, can warn others about danger, get food together and share;
- developed intuition: rats have a heightened sense of self-preservation, they sense an impending threat or danger;
- the presence of abstract thinking: behavior and reactions depending on surrounding circumstances, the ability to build algorithms in elementary situations;
- Ability to listen to music: Scientists at the University of Texas conducted an experiment, according to which not a single individual listened to the noise of a vacuum cleaner; everyone responded positively to musical compositions.
Insightful Crows
These majestic birds are rightfully considered the most intelligent creatures among birds. Numerous studies have revealed their amazing abilities:
- creation of an algorithm of actions in difficult and stressful situations;
- the presence of memory for faces and events: if you threatened a raven with something, it will remember it and will be able to find you in a crowd of people to take revenge for the disturbance caused to it;
- the ability to distinguish objects and their purpose;
- innate ability to make tools of any complexity;
- skillful imitation of the sounds of other birds, animals and even objects;
- Conscientiousness and responsibility: crows seek a female for life, carefully choosing and then providing the best living conditions.
Squirrels: resourceful and clever
Squirrels are capable of surviving the harshest weather conditions, protecting themselves and their offspring from predators, and showing ingenuity when necessary. Zoologists have identified the following distinctive traits of squirrels:
- incredible memory: they hide food in various hiding places, and there can be thousands of them. A squirrel will remember each of them without difficulty;
- active socialization: squirrels help each other in their search for food;
Close to people: orangutans
The only mammals that bear a physical and behavioral resemblance to humans. What else gives reason to consider them among the most intelligent animals?
- Orangutans use a language of sounds and gestures. Their communication is comparable to that of a 3-4 year old child;
- family comes first for them: they tenderly care not only for their offspring, but also for the older members of their group;
- able to express emotions, and consciously;
- learn and acquire new skills easily;
- may suffer from addiction, just like people.
Horribly smart octopuses
It is believed that octopus tentacles are capable of actions beyond the control of the brain. Among other characteristics, scientists note:
- basic analytical thinking: octopuses are able to recognize geometric shapes;
- laying out and memorizing the most difficult routes;
- the ability to recognize people, other living beings and objects;
- observation: octopuses can learn from and copy the behavior of their relatives;
Pigeons: Faster than the telegraph
A phenomenal memory, navigation, and endurance are undeniable assets of pigeons. They remember even the most tortuous and longest routes. Pigeons are also excellent at mathematics: they can solve basic problems such as finding the smallest or largest object. These birds deservedly occupy a place among the most intelligent animals.
Benevolent giants: elephants
Thanks to their remarkable intelligence, elephants have earned the love and attention of humans. What distinguishes elephants from other mammals?
- able to learn themselves and teach others;
- reverent attitude towards one's flock;
- the opportunity to master crafts (there is an elephant that can draw);
- imitation of speech and its adequate perception
Loyal Dolphins
Dolphins have brains larger than humans. Dolphins are capable of highly complex operations. They can recognize themselves in a mirror, imitate the actions of humans and other animals, have excellent memory, and even develop their own language. Dolphins help each other and can express emotions through vocalizations. Dolphins can be trained to perform virtually any task. This high level of intelligence is explained by the ideal ratio of body and brain size.
Child prodigies in the world of apes: chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are exceptionally talented and hard-working. They are self-aware, can analyze, and formulate action plans. Chimpanzees effortlessly understand human speech, can reproduce individual sound combinations, and have mastered sign language.
They possess a high level of cognitive skills: they easily make and use various tools. A key characteristic of chimpanzees is their perfect memory. They utilize emotional, visual, and motor memory.
