Some animals are much smarter than we think about them, and although it is quite difficult to investigate and test their intelligence, yet many can say that they are smart enough. In a sense, they are even much smarter than us!
1. Ants
So tiny creatures like ants are incredibly smart. For example, when one ant from a colony finds a food source, it carries some food in an anthill so that others can smell this source.
2. Crows
Crows are the largest brain of all birds. They are famous for their ingenuity in finding food and building nests. Ravens are smart enough to recognize human faces and hide their food from other birds.
Ravens are called "geniuses" of the natural world. Experimenting, scientists have discovered that crows use logic to solve problems, and some of them even surpass monkeys in abilities. In addition, crows have demonstrated the ability to develop complex tactics and actions that they have not used before, which means that they use logic. And they can also use different objects, for example, small stones, for their personal needs.
3. The Otter
Carnivorous mammalian otters that can live both in water and on land have always been famous for their intelligence. However, just recently it was discovered that they probably acquired their skills of using tools millions of years ago.
4. The octopus
The octopus has half a billion neurons (almost as many as dogs), and their brains are very large in relation to the size of their bodies. In captivity, they learned to navigate in simple labyrinths and solve puzzles. A recent experiment confirmed that anecdotes about octopuses on the topic of what they are able to recognize, and whether or not to love individuals, even those that are dressed in the same way - are not fiction, but the truth.
5. The Sea Lion
The sea lion has an extremely large brain and a very complex nervous system that makes it one of the most intelligent waterfowl in the world. Thanks to a series of specially developed IQ tests, it was revealed that one of the inhabitants of the sea - the California sea lion named Rio, using some actions, uses logic.
6. The dog
Dogs are one of the smartest animals and possess the intelligence of a 2-year-old baby. The most intelligent breeds (border collie, poodle and German shepherd) are able to learn up to 250 words, signals and gestures. According to a study conducted by the cynologist Stanley Koren, most dogs would even defeat 4-year-olds in basic arithmetic and social skills.
7. Jay
The energetic and intelligent birds of the jay are the only creatures on Earth, not counting people who plan their actions based on their desires in the future. Studies have shown that jays are planning what kind of food they want for breakfast the next morning, how many and where they will consume it. Then they store the right amount of this food in a special place. Studies have shown that the jays in the cage used a scrap of paper as a tool to get food that was behind the cage.
8. Protein
Proteins have always been considered very intelligent creatures. They are even known for their creative ways of getting into bird feeders. However, what distinguishes them from other intelligent animals is their unique ability to deceive. A recent scientific study has shown that protein has a deceptive or even paranoid behavior.
Observations of them have shown that they are building fake hiding places, in which they store, supposedly, real stocks of nuts, while in fact they keep nuts in the armpit.
9. Bumblebee
Despite the presence of a brain the size of a poppy seed, the bumblebee is an amazingly intelligent insect. He keeps his nest at a constant temperature, avoids finding food near the house, for fear of bringing predators to him. In addition, when pollinating flowers, he always makes the most effective route.
10. Fish-elephant
Most people do not associate the word "intellect" with fish. But scientists have discovered that fish can develop a hunting strategy, they have good memory, they quickly learn (sometimes better than rats) and use improvised tools for their own needs.
11. Chimpanzee
Perhaps, the chimpanzee is the most intelligent creature after man. These mighty monkeys can learn words, play with objects and even feel emotions, such as mourning for their friends. Chimpanzees have amazing cognitive abilities and are considered very active thinkers. Scientists have calculated that about 50% of their intelligence is inherited by them.
12. Humpback whale
Belonging to the class of cetaceans, a group of highly intelligent marine mammals, the humpback whale is one of the most intelligent creatures living in the sea. Scientists have found that the brain of this animal even contains a certain type of neuronal cells, which is present only in humans. A humpback whale is also considered a "superhero of the sea", as it is known to protect other animals (such as, for example, seals) from predators. Such unusual behavior is altruistic.
13. The rat
Some people consider a rat nothing more than an invasive parasite. Others appreciate this little rodent as a very smart and entertaining pet. It was found that rats can perform various tasks, such as mastering puzzles or running through labyrinths. They are able even to empathize and sympathize with their comrades when they are depressed, which is rare in the animal kingdom.
14. Parrot
Known for their ability to use various instruments and teach up to a hundred words, parrots are among the smartest birds on Earth. Scientists recently discovered that Cockatoo Goffin in captivity can even abandon the proposed food in the hope of an early release. Psychologists say that such abilities can be considered as signs of rational choice and are rarely found even in people.
15. Cuttlefish
Cuttlefish belongs to the class of mollusks, like octopus, squid, or nautilus. Possessing a highly developed nervous system and one of the largest ratios of brain and body dimensions of all invertebrates, cuttlefish is one of the most intelligent inhabitants of the ocean and the undisputed masters of disguise. Molluscs are known for their incredibly creative protective techniques. Some species can even hypnotize their prey.
16. Elephant
Given the huge size of the brain of elephants (more than 5 kg), it is not surprising that these giant mammals are one of the most intelligent creatures on Earth. They have a range of emotions, including joy, playfulness, empathy. Elephants can also learn new facts and behavior, imitate the sounds they hear, practice self-medication, play, perform artistic actions, use various instruments and show compassion.
17. Gorilla
Along with chimpanzees, gorillas are also highly intelligent, but there are many differences between these two species. Gorillas are more calm, restrained and patient. They are less curious than chimpanzees and do not show the same propensity to imitate. There are still disputes whether they identify themselves or not. It was also found that they can use sign language to communicate.
18. Cats
Cats are known for their individuality and estrangement. It is these traits that prevent scientists from studying their intelligence. Most attempts to study feline minds have not been successful. Scientists believe that cats are probably as smart as dogs.
19. Dolphins
Dolphins, known for their extraordinary intelligence, can perform many impressive actions. They have behavioral mimicry (that is, an imitation of behavior demonstrated by animal trainers and other animals). The dolphins recognize themselves in the mirror. They also remember their recent behavior and may even experience a feeling of excitement.
20. Orangutan
However horrible this may sound, orangutans have 97% of the same genetic material as humans. In fact, they are also susceptible to human ailments, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B and certain cardiovascular diseases. At one time, an explored orangutan named Chantek, whom the mother rejected and raised a man, at the age of 9 months could express his words and thoughts. By the age of 4, Chantek improvised words that he could not say and even learned to lie.
21. The Cow
Although the cows seem at first sight to be calm animals, always something chewing, but the appearance can be deceiving. Scientists have discovered that cows are highly developed and intelligent mammals, capable of solving a variety of tasks. They are also amazingly rich emotionally. Scientists were amazed to discover that cows actually have friends and enemies. Cows are able to experience strong emotions and even worry about the future.
22. Mice
There is a good reason why mice are considered unusually intelligent animals - they have the same ratio of the mass of the brain to the mass of the body, like people (1:40). These tiny rodents are very sociable, playful, curious and affectionate. They are also capable of learning and can learn various tricks. They can, for example, learn to recognize your name and call it.
23. The Killer Whale
Orcas differ with extraordinary intelligence. They are very sociable animals. Their use of dialects and the transmission of learned behavior from generation to generation have been described as a form of animal culture.
24. Pig
A series of specially designed IQ tests has helped scientists discover that pigs are smarter than dogs and can solve problems as lightning fast as chimpanzees. Among the other talents of pigs, one can emphasize the ability to long-term memory, the ability to get out of labyrinths and recognize symbols. Also, pigs have an inclination for empathy, and they can learn from each other.
We hope that now you will not consider animals to be brainless creatures that act only on the basis of their instincts. They can be not only true friends and close family members, but also worthy rivals in solving some problems.