Intelligence is a difficult concept to define, because it can include many different aspects, such as the ability to learn, problem-solving, communication, creativity, self-awareness, and emotions. Human and animal intelligence differ in nature. In the animal world, there are also species with special skills and abilities, showing that they also have intelligence. Below are the 10 most intelligent animals in the world based on many scientific studies.
1. Chimpanzees: Chimpanzees top the list of the most intelligent animals in the world. These animals have impressive intelligence, they have the ability to imitate and learn very quickly from the environment.
Chimpanzees have large and complex brains, allowing them to use tools, recognize themselves in the mirror, express their own emotions and will. Chimpanzees also have rich body language and can learn human signs and words, they can also remember people’s names for years without meeting them.
2. Dolphins: Dolphins are the most intelligent marine creatures, with a dolphin’s brain being about the same size as a human’s. Dolphins are capable of learning, problem solving, using tools, cooperating, and playing.
Dolphins have a complex vocal language that includes calls, whistles, and clicks. Like many other intelligent animals, female dolphins stay with their young for years and teach them survival tricks.
3. Elephants: Elephants are the largest land animals, but they are also one of the most intelligent. Elephants have huge brains, allowing them to have excellent memories, learning abilities, and creativity. Elephants can use tools such as leaves, branches, or rocks to cool off, groom, or kill prey.
Elephants also have a rich body and vocal language, including calls, whistles, and buzzes. Elephants are also self-aware and express emotions such as sadness, joy, love, and compassion.
4. Crow: Crows are one of the most intelligent birds in the world. They have the ability to learn and remember problems and even be creative.
In some stories, the movie also built the intelligence of crows such as crows picking up pebbles in a water bottle to drink, or crows delivering letters. Some studies also show that crows can use stones to break shells to eat.
5. Pigs: We often have the curse of “stupid as pigs” but in fact pigs are a very intelligent species. Both wild pigs and domestic pigs have the ability to adapt to different ecological conditions. They are considered easy to train animals like cats and dogs.
Nowadays, many people also keep pigs as pets. A study has shown that pigs raised in the house can use mirrors to find food and trick other pigs to eat more.
6. Squirrel: Squirrels are not only agile but also very intelligent animals. Squirrels are considered the “enemy” of farmers because most squirrels have “tricks” to collect all the food in the garden for their survival.
Researchers believe that they have the ability to hide food cleverly and sophisticatedly like a “potential” thief.
7. Pigeon: Pigeons are a popular bird in the world, they are known for their ability to fly far and high intelligence. In the past, pigeons were often used to deliver letters, appearing in many Chinese historical films.
Pigeons also have the ability to recognize hundreds of images seen many years ago. They can also identify themselves in mirrors, and have been taught to perform a series of movements to subtly differentiate between themselves and their mirror image.
Endemic to central Vietnam, this species is at risk of extinction in the wild. It has attracted international attention due to its rarity.