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- Humans. We tend to judge other animals against our own species’ intelligence . Though we are beginning to realize that animals express their intelligence in unique ways, most research seeks to establish their thinking by comparing it to benchmarks we’re familiar with: our own.
- Dolphins. Dolphins are one of the most intelligent species on the planet; they are highly capable of both learning and mimicry. Dolphins in different pods use mud to create traps and use sponges for protection against coral as they search for food, demonstrating their ability to use tools and manipulate their surroundings.
- Ravens. Ravens are extremely intelligent birds, and, in part because of it, they are associated with omens in many cultures. Ravens have better planning skills than human toddlers.
- Pigs. Pigs are the classic example of an animal that surprises many people with their intelligence. Pigs are so smart that they can play simple video games, as proven by four pigs at Purdue University’s Center for Animal Welfare Research.
- Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
- Ravens and Crows. The entire Corvid family of birds is clever. The group includes magpies, jays, ravens, and crows. These birds are the only non-primate vertebrates that invent their own tools.
- Chimpanzees. Chimps are our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, so it's unsurprising they display intelligence similar to that of humans. Chimps fashion spears and other tools, display a wide range of emotions, and recognize themselves in a mirror.
- Elephants. Elephants have the largest brains of any land animal. The cortex of an elephant's brain has as many neurons as a human brain. Elephants have exceptional memories, cooperate with each other, and demonstrate self-awareness.
- Gorillas. Like humans and chimps, gorillas are primates. The gorilla named Koko became famous for learning sign language and caring for a pet cat. Gorillas can form original sentences to communicate with humans and understand the use of symbols to represent objects and more complex concepts.
Jul 20, 2024 · Each species has its own strengths and areas of expertise. Here’s a list of the 30 most intelligent animals in the world, prioritizing those considered to exhibit the most complex cognitive abilities.
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Jun 1, 2024 · We take for granted the fact that we are the most intelligent animals on the planet without ever actually considering what it is that sets us apart. Is it object permanence, the ability to plan, tool usage, or the fact that we build complex social relationships?
Discover which animals rank among the top 10 smartest in the world , and how they use their brains to survive and thrive.
5 days ago · Researchers have compared the mental power of dogs to that of 2-year-old children, though cognitive ability varies among breeds and individuals. Per the American Kennel Club, the five smartest ...
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Ever wondered what the smartest animals in the world are? Explore the 15 most intelligent animals, along with examples of why each species makes the list.
