The Smartest Animals on the Planet: Understanding Animal Intelligence

Intelligence is a predominantly human characteristic, or so one might think. 

The animal kingdom is teeming with animals with extraordinary cognitive capacities. 

From problem-solving to emotional intelligence, a lot of animals exhibit abilities equal to those of young children. 

This article takes a look at the cleverest creatures on the planet, their astounding abilities, and what makes them so captivating.

Animal intelligence is a broad and multidimensional topic, as intelligence can be measured in various ways. 

Some researchers argue that intelligence can be equated to learning, problem-solving, communication ability, and the adaptation of changes. 

Others cite memory, self-knowledge, and social behavior as major factors in the determination of intelligence. 

Regardless of how it is measured, there are various animals that have exhibited mental capabilities that baffle scientists and animal lovers across the globe.

These Smartest Animals on Earth:

#1 Dolphins:

Dolphins are widely regarded as being among the most intelligent species on the planet. 

Dolphins exhibit high-level problem-solving, social structures, and even self-awareness. 

Studies have shown that dolphins can recognize themselves in a mirror, a trait associated with highly advanced thinking. 

Dolphins also use sophisticated vocalization to communicate and cooperate during hunting. 

Dolphins have even been known to use tools, such as sponges, to protect their snouts when they forage on the ocean floor.

#2 Great Apes (Chimpanzees, Bonobos, Gorillas, and Orangutans):

Great apes share about 98-99% of their DNA with humans, with them being among the closest species related to our own kind. 

They are highly skilled problem solvers, utilize the use of tools, and show human-like emotions. 

Chimpanzees, for example, can be taught sign language and use the assistance of sticks to excavate termites from the ground that they live in a mound. 

Orangutans, in fact, have been known to create an umbrella from leaves to protect them from rain. 

These actions demonstrate their ability to adapt and learn.

#3 Elephants:

Elephants are noted for their great memory, social acumen, and problem-solving ability. 

They exhibit empathy through comforted distraught members of their group and even performed mourning rituals over their deceased. 

In studies, elephants have been found to recognize themselves in front of mirrors, further evidence of self-awareness. 

They have also been known to employ tools, such as twigs to tap flies away or excavate wells to find water with their tusks.

#4 Crows and Ravens:

Crows and ravens, both of the corvid family, are some of the cleverest birds on the planet. 

They solve advanced puzzles, utilize tools, and even plan ahead. 

Scientists have witnessed crows digging insects out of inaccessible locations using sticks and dropping nuts onto pavement for cars to crack them open. 

Crows have been observed even crafting tools out of never-before-seen materials by some, demonstrating highly developed problem-solving skills.

#5 Octopuses:

Octopuses are fascinating creatures possessing great intelligence despite their short lifespan. 

They can escape from a room, unscrew jars, and solve mazes. 

The sea creatures possess a highly complex nervous system and can change the color and texture of their bodies to blend into their surroundings. 

Some of them have even used coconut shells as temporary housing, a definite indicator of their ability to solve problems.

#6 Dogs:

Dogs have been selectively bred for thousands of years for their working capacity and intelligence. 

They are able to learn hundreds of words, obey complicated commands, and even possess emotional intelligence. 

Border Collies, as a breed, are perhaps most renowned for being able to learn complicated commands and problem-solving skills. 

Some have been trained to detect disease, guide people with impairments, and even recognize human emotions.

#7 Raccoons:

Raccoons are surprisingly intelligent animals known for their problem-solving skills and dexterous paws. 

Studies have shown that raccoons can remember solutions to complex puzzles for years and have the ability to manipulate objects to access food. 

Their adaptability allows them to thrive in both urban and wild environments, showcasing their intelligence in finding creative solutions to challenges.

#8 Parrots:

Parrots, especially African greys, can learn to mimic human speech and understand language. 

Some parrots can use words within sentences, recognize shapes and colors, and even count. 

Alex, the famous African grey parrot study animal of Dr. Irene Pepperberg, could recognize objects, understand the concept of "zero," and even express frustration when he was given a task that was hard for him.

#9 Rats:

Rats are too frequently underappreciated, but they are intelligent and can be trained to do complex tasks. 

They can be taught mazes, recognize their names, and even understand other rats. 

Rats have been shown in experiments to give up a reward to save a trapped companion, demonstrating their emotional intelligence.

#10 Bees:

While insects are not typically considered to be intelligent, bees possess highly advanced problem-solving skills and complex communication systems. 

They use a "waggle dance" to inform other members of the hive about food and can even recognize faces. 

Bees have even been demonstrated in some studies to possess a grasp of basic mathematical concepts, such as addition and counting.

The Importance of Learning About Animal Intelligence:

Understanding animal intelligence serves to advance the cause of conservation, to heighten the human-animal interface, and further our comprehension of cognition. 

Various animals possess a high degree of problem-solving potential, social capabilities, and emotional intelligence that threaten to blur the picture of the non-human mind. 

From these intelligent animals, we are best able to experience the world naturally and understand where we stand.

Finally animal intelligence is a varied and intriguing domain that keeps surprising us with new information regarding the cognitive powers of non-human animals. 

From tool-wielding crows to the puzzle-solving octopus, the world is replete with masterminds. 

With the advancement of science, our knowledge about these incredible beings will only grow, further demarcating the boundary between human and animal intelligence. 

Whether in the ocean, the sky, or our own homes, intelligent animals are all around us, waiting to be studied, appreciated, and respected.