Animals with extraordinary intelligence and high memory capabilities.
Some animals possess a high level of intelligence and the ability to learn, respond to signals or words, and remember solutions they have discovered, which has led some scientists and researchers to discuss the possibility that their intelligence rivals that of humans.
The American magazine Reader’s Digest reviewed in a report 12 animals that stand out for their intelligence and remarkable cognitive abilities:
Crows understand physics
Crows can not only recognize faces to distinguish between predatory and harmless species, but they also understand principles of physics. They are known to alter their entire migration patterns to avoid farms where birds were killed in the past, and they remember garbage collection routes in cities so they can find food scraps.
Pigs use mirrors
The report stated that pigs understand emotions, show empathy, solve mazes, and learn simple symbolic languages, and they may be close friends just like dogs.
Pigs that were no older than six weeks learned the concept of mirror reflection in an experiment conducted to determine the path leading to a hidden food container using these tools, in just a few hours, while human children need several months to grasp it.
The octopus masters the art of escape
The octopus has always demonstrated talents for opening jar lids, squeezing its large body through small holes, and climbing out of deep fish tanks to escape.
The German octopus nicknamed “Otto” was known for throwing stones at the glass and spraying water on the overhead lights to disrupt the annoying bright lights on more than one occasion.
The squirrels
A study conducted by Princeton University showed that gray squirrels are capable of remembering the locations where they buried thousands of nuts, and that they use tricks to deceive those who steal the nuts.
Dolphins cheat
Dolphins are often referred to as the second smartest animals on Earth due to the high ratio of their brain size to body size, as well as their ability to express emotions and their impressive mimicry of silly monkeys.
Results from the Marine Mammal Studies Institute in Mississippi indicate that dolphins may also represent the second most deceptive animals on Earth
The dance of the bees
Bees have developed a “swarm intelligence” technique, with fifty thousand worker bees in a single colony making “democratic” decisions. When the hive becomes crowded in the spring, scout colonies are sent out to search for a new home. If none of the scouts agree on the new location, they discuss the matter through dancing.
Each scout performs a “waggle dance” in front of the other scouts in an attempt to convince them of the advantages of the location. If the dance is exciting, it means that the scouts have found the right spot. Then, the rest of the bees fly to the preferred location and join in the dance.
Elephants have a good memory
Elephants have an incredible memory and never forget their friends. In 1999, an elephant named Shirley arrived at an elephant sanctuary in Tennessee and immediately met an elephant named Jenny, and they put on a joyful performance together. Jenny has remembered Shirley since their time performing in the circus together 22 years ago.
Chickens can distinguish between shapes
Chickens can distinguish between certain shapes and colors, and according to Melissa Caughey, author of “How Chickens Talk and a Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens,” chickens can differentiate between a circle, square, triangle, and rectangle regardless of how the shapes are arranged.
The parrot solves puzzles
Parrots can solve logic-based puzzles, in addition to their ability to mimic humans. According to “Live Science,” the intelligence of these parrots is comparable to that of a three-year-old child, and they can locate the food reward without any cues or hints. This ability is remarkable and unprecedented.
Christian Schloegl, a researcher at the University of Vienna, reported that the African grey parrot has the ability to understand some causal relationships between things and is skilled at employing this ability.
Chimpanzees learn words.
The intelligence of chimpanzees largely depends on their genes, and according to National Geographic, “chimpanzees can learn words and play with objects, and they seem to grieve for the death of their friends.”
Chimpanzees have their own way of making life a little easier, and health and wellness expert Caleb Buck says, “It is well-known that chimpanzees create and use tools to perform simple tasks like opening fruits and nuts.”
Dogs have emotions
Dogs have emotions, and they can recognize their owner and feel the emotions of others. According to “Live Science,” dogs have an intelligence level equivalent to that of a human child at the age of two.
According to a report from “Live Science,” this discovery is based on a language development test that revealed that ordinary dogs are capable of learning 165 words (similar to a two-year-old child), including signals and gestures.