Find out how humans compare with the brightest members of the animal kingdom.
Category Archives: Animal Intelligence
Citizen scientists contribute to dog research
What if you could advance scientific knowledge just by playing with your dog?
First Proof That Wild Animals Really Can Communicate With Us
It’s no surprise that we communicate with our pets, but now there’s evidence that humans actively communicate and cooperate with wild animals, to the benefit of both species.
“Wassup, Sheep?” He Asked
Studies have found that domesticated animals have smaller brains than their wild cousins. What does that mean for us?
Elephants Outwit Humans During Intelligence Test
Scientists working with elephants from the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang, Thailand, designed an experiment that required the elephants to work together in order to get food. The elephants’ ability to understand and use teamwork was surprising!
Tool Use Found in Octopuses
When we think of intelligent animals, we usually think of mammals, such as dolphins and dogs. So it might be surprising to learn that a creature that seems much more primitive—the octopus—is capable of planning, strategizing, and using tools.
Police geese: A Chinese crime-fighting plan isn’t quite as ridiculous as it sounds
Fighting crime isn’t just for dogs. Learn about another animal that can be trained to stop “fowl” deeds.
Opinion: We Didn’t Domesticate Dogs. They Domesticated Us.
How did prehistoric wolves gradually become domesticated dogs? The authors of the book The Genius of Dogs offer their view.
What’s the Waggle Dance? And Why Do Honeybees Do It?
Honeybees communicate where a nectar source is by dancing. Learn how they tell the bee colony.
Cats Are Not Dependent on Humans, Study Shows
As any cat owner will attest, cats are self-reliant. They do not depend on people for their safety or security.
18 Really Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Humpback Whales
Here are 18 facts about humpback whales that might surprise you. Fact #6 is a video that shows the ingenious way a dozen whales work together to herd fish.
Flamingos Apply “Makeup” to Impress Mates
Everyone wants to look his or her best, even flamingos! Find out what scientists surmise about flamingo behavior.
Does Your Dog Really Love You?
Find out what news correspondent Anderson Cooper thinks about his dog’s intelligence and how little we know about dogs.
Are Cats Smarter Than Dogs?
Dogs’ brain structures are larger than cats’. Read why some scientists state that brain size is not the determining factor for animal intelligence.
Horse Domestication Happened Across Eurasia, Study Shows
Humans have used horses for transportation, warfare, and agriculture for thousands of years. Experts are still trying to find out when and where this special bond started.
Is your dog a genius? Putting Fido to the test
You can now find out if your dog is a super smart canine Einstein. Read on for more.
Crows are smarter than you think
Crows remember faces, use tools, and communicate danger to each other. But can they think? Find out what surprising things researchers are discovering about crows’ intelligence.
Can dogs understand what we say?
Dogs on TV shows and in movies seem to be able to understand their owners’ every word. Many dogs can be trained to respond to commands. Find out what dogs can learn from their owners.
Bat Echo
Many bats use echolocation to find food. To attract nectar-drinking bats, some tropical flowers reflect sound. Find out how this partnership benefits both bats and flowers.
How Smart Is An Octopus?
Dogs, dolphins, and parrots are known to show intelligent behavior, but now the octopus is being studied too. Watch the unusual actions that are making researchers take a closer look at these weird underwater creatures. Then read about the intelligent actions observed in several other animals.