Ever notice how they keep moving the goalposts when it comes to animal intelligence vs. human intelligence?
“Humans are completely unique. No other animal uses tools.”
“Actually, wild sea otters have been observed using rocks to open shellfish.”
“Okay, but that’s not true intelligence. They just pick the rocks up; they don’t alter them in any way.”
“Chimps peel the leaves from sticks to make more effective termite probes.”
“Well, that’s just technology. Only humans have art.”
“What about painting elephants? Art critics often can’t tell the difference between their work and a human’s.”
“Okay fine. But only humans have language. That’s the mark of true intelligence.”
“These African Grey Parrots use hundreds of words correctly and even ask original questions.”
“Oh yeah? Well, does any non-human species demonstrate self-awareness?”
“Dolphins pass the mirror test without training.”
“Pfft. How about problem-solving?”
“I can’t keep squirrels out of my bird feeder no matter what I do.”
“Aha! Bet you can’t think of a species that possesses all these traits! Only humans! We’re No. 1! We’re No. 1!”
“Crows.”
“LALALALALA I CAN’T HEAR YOOOOUUUUUUUUU…”
Are we smart enough to know how smart animals are? by Frans de Waal explores this exact question and its a fascinating read.
Humans had enough trouble seeing other humans as human. We are not even remotely smart enough to know how smart animals are. We would have a huge existential crisis if we realised other creatures are as sentient and aware as we are.
Animal Intelligence
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