Introduction
Whenever we consider intelligence, human beings are the first thing that comes to our minds. However, the thing is that intelligence is present in a variety of ways in the animal kingdom. There are also animals that are capable of addressing complex problems, wielding tools, having complex forms of communication and even having feelings like human beings.
The intelligence of animals is not merely a matter of size of the brain. It is concerned with the ability of an animal to adjust to the environment, learn, remember and to communicate. In the ocean depths and in thick forests, numerous species have evolved amazing mental capabilities which scientists are yet to unlock to full understanding.
This paper will discuss the top 10 smartest animals on the planet, in terms of their ability to solve problems, memory, communication and adaptability.
1. Chimpanzees
Chimps have been highly regarded as the second most intelligent animal besides man. They have over 98% of the DNA of the evidenced by the fact that they are very intelligent.
Chimps have the capability of using tools whether to dig termites in holes or to crack nuts using stones. They also demonstrate some aspect of planning and problem solving. Chimpanzees in experiments have been shown to be able to recall sequences, to solve puzzles and even to comprehend simple symbols. Their social intelligence is even more amazing.
They also live in complicated groups, they make alliances and use gestures, facial expressions and sounds to communicate. There are even chimpanzees who have been taught the rudimentary sign language to talk to humans.
2. Dolphins
Dolphins are playful and behind this is a very smart brain. One of the highest ratios of brain-to-body size is found in them.
Dolphins are able to see themselves in the mirrors, and that is a great evidence of self-consciousness, a rare quality that can be observed only in several species. They communicate also through an elaborate system comprising of clicks, whistles and body language.
Their use of signature whistles is one of the interesting skills as they serve a purpose of names. Dolphins are able to use such distinctive sounds to get each other. They are also good problem-solvents, and can hunt in groups to get along well.
3. Elephants
Elephants are large in size, as well as in intelligence. They possess superior memory and this is the reason why there is a saying that an elephant never forgets.
They are able to identify themselves in mirrors, they display feelings of empathy and they even lament their deceased. It has been seen that to the extent of the depressed members of the group; the elephants have been seen to be consoling them, this is a show of emotional intelligence. They adopt such tools as the use of branches in swatting flies and resolving issues where collaboration is needed.
They have complex social structure where they convect their message through low-frequency sound that is able to reach long distances.
4. Crows
One of the brilliant birds in the world is the crow. Their smartness is something that people cannot believe since they are not mammals.
Crows are capable of using tools, multi-step puzzles and even cause and effect. They have observed bending wires in hooks in experiments to get food, which will necessitate planning and creativity.
They are also very good at recalling and also at recognizing human faces. When an individual mistreats them, they do not forget but they might even warn other crows.
5. Parrots
It is also well known that parrots can imitate human speech, however, their level of intelligence extends much further than that.
They are also able to make sense of things, solve riddles and even make sense of words. Other parrots have been trained to recognize colors, shapes and numbers.
A famous example is the African Grey parrot which has demonstrated the capacity to comprehend such concepts as same and different. Animals can hardly have this understanding.
6. Octopuses
The octopuses are very intelligent invertebrates and hence even more intriguing. They have high level intelligence but have a totally distinct nervous system as compared to mammals and birds.
They are able to solve puzzles and open jars and get out of enclosures. Coconut shells have even been seen to be used as protection tools by some octopuses. They are outstanding in problem-solving and can acquire knowledge by observing.
The coordination of the octopus is even more amazing because each arm has a certain level of independence.
7. Dogs
Dogs are also very intelligent and they are also said to be the best friend of man. They are capable of grasping the human feelings, obeying commands and acquiring a huge number of words.
There are those dogs that are able to identify more than 100 words or items. Particularly a skill of social intelligence is adept with dogs.
They are able to interpret human gestures, facial expression and voice tone. This quality makes them good play mates and laborers.
8. Pigs
Pigs are not that stupid as most people may assume they are one of the intelligent creatures in the world.
During experiments, they are able to solve puzzles, learn tricks and even play video games with joysticks. Pigs too are good memory keepers and they can recall places and activities over a long time.
They are social beings and they are able to identify other pigs and to establish connections. In certain things, their intelligence is just as low as that of young children.
9. Ravens
Similar to crows, ravens are members of the corvid family and very smart. They are able to think in the future, solve problems that are complex and even to lie to other animals.
As an example, ravens can fake hiding food in a certain location and hiding it in a different location to deceive viewer. They are one of the smartest birds in the world because they have the capacity to think of the future and do things in changing ways.
10. Squirrels
Although scurrying, squirrels can be considered small and simple creatures, they have amazing cognitive capabilities.
Their memory is great and that is why they tend to remember where they conceal food. Strategic thinking is also employed by them to ensure that their food is not stolen by thieves.
There are also squirrels that feign the burying behavior so as to disorient others observing them. This demonstrates an element of planning and deception, knowledgeable people.
What Makes an Animal Intelligent?
There is no single way of measuring animal intelligence. Various species are superior in various aspects. Some key factors include:
- Problem-solving ability
- Memory and learning
- Communication skills
- Social behavior
- Tool usage
To illustrate, chimpanzees are very effective in the use of a tool, and dolphins master language. The octopuses are unique in that they are able to solve problems even with an entirely different structure of the brain.
The significance of Animal Intelligence.
Animal intelligence helps us to realize the diversity of life on our planet. It also poses significant questions on the way we treat animals.
There are numerous smart animals that can feel pain, develop a relationship, and experience emotions. It is even more imperative to conserve and treat them ethically. Researching the intelligence of animals is also beneficial in teaching the scientists more about the cognition and behavior of human beings.
Conclusion
Animal intelligence is manifold and interesting. Since chimpanzees are intelligent in their ability to use tools to dolphins that communicate by whistling, every species is intelligent in its own setting.
The following list of animals makes it clear that human beings are not the only minds in this planet. There are numerous animals with capabilities that we find difficult to comprehend as to what intelligence is.
We are yet to find more unexpected examples of intelligent animals as researchers work on it. Up to that point, one thing is evident, and it is that the world is full of intelligent lives, and we form a single portion of it.
