It’s fascinating to consider the intelligence of animals, and how we as humans often underestimate their capabilities. Despite the fact that we may not be able to communicate with them through language, or even make the same sounds with our lips, it’s clear that smartest animals possess a wide range of complex thoughts and ideas.
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In many ways, the intelligence of these creatures can be compared to that of young human children. And yet, while we may not fully understand them, they continue to thrive and adapt to their environment in countless ways. From the African plains to the depths of the ocean, animals of all shapes and sizes inhabit a vast and diverse world that contains so much more than we may ever comprehend.
They’ve adapted to their environments by developing sophisticated ideas and problem-solving skills, which help them survive in their everyday lives. It’s perhaps why some animals have earned a reputation for being some of the smartest creatures in the world. Whether it’s their ability to use tools, communicate, or navigate complex social hierarchies, these species have proven just how cognitively advanced they truly are. So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at 13 of the world’s smartest animals.
#1 Elephants
Elephants are truly remarkable animals that have earned their spot as one of the world’s smartest creatures. Known for their excellent memory and high emotional intelligence, these magnificent beasts have the ability to discern between several human languages.
In fact, an interesting study conducted by researchers from the University of Sussex demonstrated that elephants could distinguish between different languages with ease. During this study, a group of elephants reacted protectively when a Maasai man said, “Look over there, elephants are approaching,” while showing no reaction when a man from a different ethnic group said the same thing.
These results suggest that elephants have figured out which phrases they should be responding to, regardless of the language spoken.
#2 Orangutans
Orangutans are an incredible species! Did you know that they have the ability to speak about the past? This is just one of the many reasons why they are among the smartest animals in the world. Another remarkable trait that they share with humans is displaced reference.
Recently, scientists at the University of Saint Andrew’s in Scotland conducted a study to learn more about how orangutans react to perceived predators. It turns out that they can spot a fake predator a mile away!
When they believed that they had spotted a close predator, they would become extremely frightened, hide their young, and alert the other orangutans in the group. Such an ability to react to danger is why they are regarded as one of the most intelligent primates in the world.
#3 Cats
Cats have been known for their independence and intelligence for many years. Their ability to maintain their independence even after domestication has always been impressive to people. It is often debated whether cats are smarter than dogs, and recent studies have shown that cats have the upper hand in the brains department.
The key to their perceived superior intellect lies in their exceptional memory. In fact, cats have a 200 times stronger memory than dogs and can recall details of a day for up to 16 hours! These feline creatures have much more sophisticated brains and boast 300 neurons, making them one of the smartest animals in the world. Even though dogs are better at helping people, when it comes to intellect, it seems like cats have it all.
#4 Gorillas
Gorillas are known for their intricate social structures called gorilla battalions, which have evolved over time to protect them from their natural enemies. However, some Gorillas possess a level of intelligence beyond their evolved social structure. Koko the Gorilla is one such creature that earned a reputation for her intelligence.
She understood more than a thousand signals and over two thousand spoken words, making her one of the smartest gorillas on the planet. The western lowland gorilla also serves as a symbol of animal rights and environmental protection, with one particular gorilla, who captured the world’s heart.
She crossed paths with various individuals, including Robin Williams, a late Hollywood actor with whom she forged a close friendship. Koko was reportedly devastated when her caregivers informed her of Williams’s passing.
#5 New Caledonian Crows
When it comes to brilliance, the New Caledonian crow reigns supreme amongst other crows, ravens, and rooks. The intelligence of these birds was put to the test during an experiment conducted by researchers at Oxford University. In this experiment, a piece of meat was placed inside a tube that was too narrow for Betty, one of the New Caledonian crows, to fit inside. What happened next was truly astonishing.
Betty took matters into her own hands and removed a length of wire that was still in her cage. She then proceeded to bend the end of the wire using a nearby object, fashioning a hook out of a wire, which she used to extract the food from the narrow tube. This incredible display of problem-solving and tool-making abilities is reason enough to believe that the New Caledonian Crow is one of the smartest animals in the world.
#6 Dolphins
Dolphins have long captured our imaginations with their intelligence and complex social structures. Their brains, which weigh around 3.5 lbs., are among the largest and most sophisticated in the animal kingdom. In fact, their brain-to-body ratio is second only to humans. What is most remarkable about these creatures is the highly developed paralimbic systems that enable them to comprehend and read the emotions of others around them.
This emotional intelligence allows them to communicate with each other, solve elaborate puzzles, and even teach other dolphins difficult tasks taught to humans. Dolphin’s temporal lobes are what enable them to process language and auditory information, even though it is different from humans and primates. Furthermore, they can identify themselves in mirrors and comprehend complex ideas, demonstrating that their sophisticated brains give them their unique capabilities.
#7 Goats
If you’ve ever spent time around goats, you may have noticed that they aren’t always the most graceful creatures in the barnyard. However, don’t be fooled by their clumsy appearance. These animals possess a social system that is more sophisticated than you might think and a memory that is as strong as steel. In fact, studies have shown that goats are just as intelligent as some of the most intelligent creatures in the world, such as dolphins and whales.
Researchers from the Institute of Agricultural Science in Switzerland and the Queen Mary University of London created a task for goats to demonstrate their intelligence, which involved pulling a rope with their teeth and lifting another lever with their noses, all while eating fruit in a plastic box.
Shockingly, nine of the goats could complete the task after just four trials! Even more impressive, when tested ten months later, almost all of them could obtain the fruit in under a minute. While there was one goat that struggled to recall the process, it’s clear that goats are much smarter than we give them credit for.
#8 Parrots
Parrots are fascinating creatures with an incredible ability to learn and mimic human language. Their intelligence is evident not only in their ability to talk but also in the way they use tools to solve problems. With a DNA that allows them to think abstractly and grow their brains in a manner similar to humans, parrots thrive on social interaction with other living things.
Without this kind of companionship, these friendly birds can quickly suffer from severe depression. In fact, some parrot breeds are smarter than others. African Grey Parrots, for example, are known for their vocal abilities and knack for mimicking words quickly. If you ever wanted proof of a parrot’s intelligence and social nature, try adopting one and teaching it some words. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they pick up spoken language!
#9 Dogs
Dogs are truly remarkable creatures. Their unwavering loyalty and intelligence make them the quintessential human companions. Some of the best dog breeds can learn human language, solve problems, and recall cause-and-effect relationships. But their natural abilities extend far beyond just this. With a long history of serving a variety of functions, dogs have developed an innate ability to carry out complex orders. From herding and hunting to sniffing out criminals and guarding, they have proven time and time again that they are capable of so much more than we often give them credit for.
Service and police dogs, in particular, demonstrate a remarkable level of intelligence and observation skills. Trained to perform tasks that we humans cannot, such as detecting impending seizures and heart abnormalities, these dogs truly are some of the smartest animals in the world. It’s no wonder that online dog training with buttons that the dogs can press has become the newest craze among dog owners – our furry friends continue to amaze us with their skills and intelligence every day.
#10 Rats
Rats may have tiny brains and bodies, but don’t let their appearance deceive you – they are truly one of the smartest animals in the world. These furry creatures have shown evidence of having preferences for certain things and individuals, not unlike other beloved pets. They even possess the ability to use metacognition, a process that involves making judgments based on what they know or don’t know, instead of acting at random.
Rats are also surprisingly easy to train and are often eager to please their owners. They can quickly learn to imitate a particular behaviour and are highly motivated by rewards. In fact, training your rat in multiple tricks is an excellent way to give them mental stimulation and the opportunity to earn more rewards. If you still don’t believe us, just watch the movie Ratatouille, which accurately depicts how intelligent these impressive animals can be.
#11 Pigs
Did you know that pigs are actually smarter than dogs? In fact, they are among the smartest animals around today. Pigs have good spatial awareness and can recall cause-and-effect relationships, similar to dogs. Their incredible ability to recall what happened in specific areas and seek out food is also influenced by their sense of direction.
Believe it or not, pigs are roughly as intelligent as three-year-old toddlers when compared to humans. While they may have a reputation for rolling about in the mud, they also recognize the value of cleanliness. So, the next time you enjoy a tasty piece of bacon, remember that there was an intelligent animal that helped make it possible.
#12 Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees, those fascinating primates, are no strangers to the internet. You may have seen them adorably caring for pets like dogs and even bunnies, or driving toy cars around like it’s no big deal. But did you know that they are just as emotional as we are? They form bonds with animals of all kinds and can express their feelings perfectly well.
Chimpanzees are so intelligent, they’re roughly on par with a five-year-old human child. They can even cry when sad, and laugh when having fun. It’s no surprise, then, that they can get envious or show concern for their tribe. To top it off, chimpanzees have an incredible ability to name objects rationally. So if you ever get to see these magnificent creatures up close at the zoo, remember that they’re probably watching you just as closely as you’re watching them.
#13 Otters
Otters are renowned for their exceptional intelligence, making them one of the most intriguing and captivating members of the animal kingdom. These aquatic mammals exhibit a wide array of cognitive abilities that have captured the interest of researchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
One of the most striking aspects of otter intelligence is their problem-solving skills. Otters are known to use tools, such as rocks, to crack open shellfish, demonstrating a remarkable level of adaptability and resourcefulness.
Their social nature also highlights their cleverness, as they engage in cooperative behaviors when hunting and navigating their environment. Otters possess a keen sense of curiosity and a capacity to learn quickly, making them highly adaptable to changing circumstances.
Their playful behavior, often observed in the form of sliding down riverbanks, not only showcases their intelligence but also their ability to engage in complex, fun activities. In the world of wildlife, otters stand out as brilliant, versatile creatures, continually intriguing us with their intellect and ingenuity.Â
FAQs
What is the #1 smartest animal?
While some may argue for primates like chimpanzees or orangutans, or even dolphins or elephants, the true smartest animal on the planet is actually the humble crow. That’s right, these black-feathered birds have been shown to possess a level of intelligence previously thought to be reserved for primates, including the ability to use tools and even recognize human faces.
What is the 10 smartest animal in the world?
The 10 smartest animals are chimpanzees, dolphins, elephants, ravens, orangutans, octopuses, bonobos, pigs, Border Collies, and African Grey Parrots.
What animal is closest to human intelligence?
Chimpanzees
Final Words
It’s no secret that humans take pride in their capacity for thought. After all, it’s what sets us apart from any other species on the planet. But the concept of intelligence isn’t limited just to humans. There are other creatures out there that have evolved over thousands of years and learned to survive and adapt to their surroundings just as we have.
And in doing so, they’ve developed their own unique forms of intelligence that are just as impressive as our own. From our primate cousins like chimpanzees and orangutans to the incredibly social dolphins and octopuses, there are plenty of animals that can give us a run for our money in terms of mental prowess. Â
Reference:
- https://www.sciencefocus.com/nature/smartest-animals/
- https://www.southwestjournal.com/smartest-animals-in-the-world/
- https://safarisafricana.com/smartest-animals-in-the-world/
Rahul M Suresh
Visiting the Zoo can be an exciting and educational experience for all involved. As a guide, I have the privilege of helping students and visitors alike to appreciate these animals in their natural habitat as well as introducing them to the various aspects of zoo life. I provide detailed information about the individual animals and their habitats, giving visitors an opportunity to understand each one more fully and appreciate them in a more intimate way.
