Animal intelligence is a interesting subject that continues to intrigue scientists and animal lovers alike. “Intelligence” in the animal kingdom can be hard to define because it takes many forms.

Whether it’s understanding language, recognizing oneself in a mirror, cooperating with others, solving problems, or even showing mathematical skills, intelligence is diverse across species.

While it’s easy to see intelligence in animals closely related to humans, like primates, many other creatures surprise us with their cognitive abilities. In this article, we’ll delve into the unique intelligence of some of the smartest animals on Earth.

Understanding Animal Intelligence

When we talk about animal intelligence, we’re referring to the ability of animals to learn, remember, solve problems, and adapt to their environment.

This intelligence can manifest in different ways, depending on the species and the challenges they face in their natural habitat. High intelligence is not exclusive to vertebrates (animals with backbones); it also exists among invertebrates, such as octopuses and certain insects.

Testing intelligence in animals is not a straightforward task. For example, the mirror test is one measure used to assess self-awareness in animals. Social skills, emotional capacity, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical skills are other indicators of intelligence.

However, these tests often reflect human-centric ideas of intelligence, which might not fully capture the unique ways different species think and interact with the world.

The Clever Corvids

Ravens and crows are part of the Corvid family, which also includes magpies and jays. These birds are incredibly smart, showing a level of intelligence that rivals that of some primates. They are the only non-primate vertebrates known to invent and use tools.

Crows can recognize human faces, communicate complex ideas with each other, and even plan for the future. Many experts compare their intelligence to that of a 7-year-old human child.

Our Closest Relatives

Chimpanzees, sharing about 98% of their DNA with humans, are naturally expected to display remarkable intelligence. Chimps can make and use tools, showing an understanding of cause and effect. They also express a wide range of emotions, such as happiness, sadness, and empathy, and they can recognize themselves in a mirror—a clear sign of self-awareness.

Some chimps have even learned sign language to communicate with humans, demonstrating their ability to understand and use symbols to convey complex ideas.

Giants with Gentle Minds

Elephants are known for their large brains, which are the biggest of any land animal. Their brain’s cortex contains as many neurons as a human brain, which contributes to their exceptional memories. Elephants can remember locations of water sources and migration routes, even after many years.

They are also capable of cooperation and problem-solving and have been observed using branches to swat flies or dig for water. Elephants are self-aware, as evidenced by their ability to recognize themselves in a mirror, and they engage in play and show empathy towards other elephants and even humans.

Masters of Communication

Gorillas, like chimpanzees, are primates that exhibit high levels of intelligence. A famous example is Koko, a gorilla who learned sign language and used it to communicate with her caregivers.

Koko’s ability to form complex sentences and express emotions like sadness and joy challenged our understanding of animal intelligence. Gorillas can also use tools and demonstrate an understanding of symbols, much like chimpanzees, which places them among the most intelligent animals in the world.

The Intellectuals of the Sea

Dolphins and whales, both members of the cetacean family, are known for their intelligence, which is comparable to that of primates and birds. Dolphins have large brains relative to their body size, with highly convoluted cortices that allow for complex thought processes.

They have passed the mirror test, proving their self-awareness, and are capable of understanding and following human instructions. Dolphins also display sophisticated social behaviors, including cooperation and deception, further highlighting their cognitive abilities.

Surprisingly Smart Farm Animals

Pigs are often underestimated when it comes to intelligence, but they are actually quite clever. Even piglets can understand the concept of reflection at a young age, something that takes human babies several months to grasp.

Pigs can solve mazes, recognize and respond to emotions, and even understand symbolic language. In experiments, pigs have shown the ability to play simple video games using a joystick, demonstrating their capacity for abstract thought and problem-solving.

The Geniuses of the Invertebrate World

Octopuses are invertebrates, but their intelligence rivals that of many vertebrates. They have the largest brains of any invertebrate, with three-fifths of their neurons located in their arms. This unique anatomy allows them to perform complex tasks with remarkable precision.

Octopuses are the only invertebrates known to use tools, such as coconut shells for protection. In captivity, some octopuses have been observed unscrewing jar lids to retrieve food or even short-circuiting aquarium lights that they find annoying, showcasing their problem-solving abilities and perhaps even a sense of mischief.

Man’s Best Friend with a Sharp Mind

Dogs are known for their loyalty, but they are also highly intelligent animals. They can understand human emotions and respond accordingly, showing empathy and sensitivity. Dogs are also capable of learning a large number of commands, with some, like the border collie named Chaser, understanding over 1,000 words.

Dogs’ ability to read human body language and respond to verbal cues makes them not only great companions but also highly trainable for various tasks, from herding to search and rescue operations.

Feathers with a Brain

Parrots are known for their ability to mimic human speech, but their intelligence goes far beyond mere mimicry. Parrots, especially the African Grey species, are capable of solving puzzles and understanding the concept of cause and effect.

These birds can remember words and use them in context, showing a remarkable understanding of language. African Grey parrots, in particular, have been known to learn hundreds of words and use them to communicate effectively with humans, displaying a level of cognitive ability similar to that of a young child.

The Crafty Problem Solvers

Raccoons are notorious for their cleverness, particularly when it comes to getting into places where they shouldn’t. They have a remarkable ability to solve complex problems, such as picking locks or figuring out how to open containers.

In one experiment, raccoons were able to raise the water level in a pitcher by dropping in stones to reach a marshmallow, demonstrating an understanding of basic physics. Raccoons are also known to remember solutions to problems for up to three years, indicating a strong memory and cognitive flexibility.