Humans have the ability to learn, reason and solve complex problems. We’re are conscious of the presence, thoughts and feelings of others and have the ability to think creatively. We also use complex language to communicate and express our ideas and thoughts. All these abilities are arguably exceptional signs of intelligence. However, there are other members of the animal kingdom who exhibit similar qualities. Compiled below is the list of animals who display amazing cognitive abilities that will make you realize we are not the only species on planet with intelligence.
1. Chimpanzee
Chimpanzees and other great apes are known for their intelligence.They can learn words, play with objects, and even seem to mourn the deaths of their friends. But just as for humans, cognitive abilities vary from one animal to the next.
2. Bottlenose Dolphin
“Encephalization Quotient” (EQ) is the ratio of brain size relative to body size and humans have the highest EQ at 7.4, but bottlenose dolphins have EQs of 5.3, significantly higher than all other animals.
3. Elephant
Elephant brains are similar to humans’ in terms of general connectivity and areas. The elephant cortex has as many neurons as a human brain, suggesting convergent evolution.Such behaviors suggest that elephants are highly intelligent; it is thought they are equal with cetaceans and primates in this regard.
4. Crow
A crow’s brain is the size of a human thumb which is huge relative to its body. Their intelligence is on par with primates allowing them to solve complex problems. The PBS series “Nature” showed an experiment where a crow figured out how to use a small stick to retrieve a larger stick and then use that to retrieve a piece of food that was well out of reach. Marzluff and his team conduct research with masks, wearing them on campus and recording what kind of sounds the crows make. They discovered crows recognize and remember individual faces.
5. Orangutan
Orangutans are among the most intelligent primates. Experiments suggest they can understand some invisible displacement problems with the help of a representational strategy. Orangutans are the first nonhuman species to do so. Orangutans are expert nest builders, making new nest every evening in the time frame of 5 to 6 minutes. They do this by choosing branches which they know can support their body weight.
6. Rat
Rats and mice are highly intelligent rodents. They are natural students who excel at learning and understanding concepts. Even though smaller than dogs, they are at least as capable of thinking about things and figuring them out as dogs are.
7. Pig
Pigs can often outsmart dogs and have the same intellectual level as chimpanzees. Because of advanced cognitive abilities their intelligence is comparable to species such as dogs, chimpanzees, elephants, dolphins, and even humans.
8. African Grey Parrot
Alex was an African Grey Parrot and the subject of a thirty-year experiment by animal psychologist Irene Pepperberg. Earlier scientific community was of the belief that a large primate brain was needed to handle complex problems related to language and understanding. Birds were not considered to be intelligent. Mimicking and repeating sounds to interact with each other was thought to be their only means of communication. Alex’s accomplishments supported the idea that birds can reason on a basic level and use words creatively. Pepperberg wrote that Alex’s intelligence was on a level similar to dolphins and great apes.
9. Border Collie
The Border Collie sits at the top of the list of most intelligent dog breeds, and some people believe they are the smartest dog in the world.This is a dog breed that never stops thinking and has the ability to stay one step ahead of his owner.
10. Raccoon
These animals have their own societies and community. Just like man, the relationships within the community of raccoons have complications. Raccoons possess dexterous hands and thumbs allowing them to utilize tools and solve problems. They are brave and extremely confident animals that are always in control of their actions and are also fiercely loyal family members.
Some of the honourable mention in the list are Squirrel,Octopus,Wolf and whale who also have the ability to use their intelligence effectively to survive in their environment. Let us know in the comment section if you agree with out list.
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