Without a doubt, the animal fauna is abso-flipping-lutely incredible. Not only can we find animals that surprise us for their physical characteristics, but we also have some that stand out for their intelligence. Let’s check them out!
CHIMPANZEES
Besides the fact that chimpanzees are incredibly similar to men, they can also think like human beings somehow. They manage to govern the environment in which they live and to use tools to achieve specific goals. They can also communicate through their own language, including about 300 words, and have their own consciousness.
PIGS
Who would have thought that the intelligence of a nearly adult pig can be compared to that of a three-year-old human being? Thanks to an innate instinct, pigs can adapt to complex environmental situations and learn new skills quickly. They even know how to use mirrors to find their food and are capable of tricking their peers into getting more of them, as the authors of a study published in Animal Behavior observed. Also, pigs can quickly learn what they are taught.
DOLPHINS
Scientific research has shown that dolphins have the largest brains in the entire animal kingdom. With their advanced communication skills, they are also believed to be self-aware and recognize themselves in front of a mirror. On the other hand, with their sociability, communication skills, and playful nature, dolphins are widely regarded as the second most intelligent species among all animals after humans. Dolphins are acute and complex problem solvers and can recognize themselves in the mirror, so as we have mentioned, they have very high self-awareness.
PARROTS
Although it is often associated with the fact that some of their species can speak by repeating what they have heard before, parrots have an excellent memory. They are capable of solving complex logistical problems (obviously related to their survival).
KILLER WHALES
Known for their immense size, orcas often use complex sounds to communicate and coordinate different group activities.
DOGS
Despite the degree of intelligence different depending on the breed to which the dog, man’s best friend easily learn new skills and can respond appropriately to human teachings. Some dog breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever and Border Collie, or the German Shepherd, are considered the most intelligent. These animals’ intelligence is because dogs have very complex thinking and a strong sense of social identity. They are empathetic and can even understand abstract concepts. However, it is not said that an animal that is considered intelligent must acquire the same abilities as a man. Still, numerous dogs manage to save their owners’ lives in an emergency or quickly learn what man wants to teach them.
OCTOPUS
When one thinks of invertebrates, one must remember that octopuses are the most intelligent. They are skilled hunters, capable of using complex strategies to find their prey.
ELEPHANTS
Compared to other animals, elephants have relatively large brains, which leads to highly complex social interactions with other members of their own species. Not only that, but it is also believed that elephants can experience empathy. They are very curious and capable of learning. They are empathetic and can establish a deep relationship with the man.
SQUIRRELS
Squirrel intelligence is primarily focused on one thing: getting food. When it comes to creating supplies, they manage to organize themselves impressively. Recent studies have found that squirrels can imitate and learn some behaviors from their peers. For example, they learn how to obtain food and steal it from others for survival purposes.
CATS
Cats can dream, remember, and can be trained to perform complex tasks. It could beat dogs in terms of intelligence, although perhaps making comparisons between different species is not very sensitive. Both dogs and cats have their own intelligence, and those who live with these pets know this well. For example, how cats can stay close to humans in times of illness and hardship. The brain of a cat may even be taller than the human brain.
OWLS
Since the ancient Greeks, owls were considered brilliant animals, but yes, they are not among the most cunning compared to other birds.
MICE AND RATS
Mice have a long-term memory that can make them highly intelligent and intuitive. Not only that, but they can also easily adapt to climate and environmental changes. On the other hand, rats cannot tackle cognitive tasks using strategies observed in human subjects, but they are very successful in carrying out everything related to their species. Furthermore, rats could, before taking action, consider variables that would otherwise be neglected by humans.
HAWKS
Hunting falcons were often used, in ancient times, as carrier pigeons. By showing excellent orientation skills, they were used as messengers to convey critical information, follow orders, and remember the geography of the territory.
RHESUS MACAQUES
Capable of leading to well-organized group attacks, Rhesus macaques have shown that they have infinite organizational resources and remarkable intelligence.
HORSES
A recent study by researchers from the Department of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Pisa has shown that horses are intelligent and cunning animals and have advanced cognitive abilities and short-term memory. For the first time, the study demonstrates these aspects contrary to what has been documented so far in the scientific literature.
CROWS
Crows are brilliant animals. You may not know, but since ancient times man has been studying their language and behavior. They are enterprising and seem to have multitasking skills. Researchers from Canada and Scotland have shown that ravens use logic to understand the environment around them in a way that may exceed the capabilities of some great apes.