By studying the brain activity of a few animals, scientists see some evidence in them of the ability of “episodic memory” or “mental time travel.” This planning of future actions based on past experience is seen as a sign of intelligence. Psychologist Thomas Zentall states that a hint of this ability is apparent in non-human primates, dolphins, scrub-jays, rats, and pigeons.
Corvids—members of the crow family—demonstrate a surprising range of intelligent behaviors in their interactions with humans.
Find out how humans compare with the brightest members of the animal kingdom.
What if you could advance scientific knowledge just by playing with your dog?
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.
Studies have found that domesticated animals have smaller brains than their wild cousins. What does that mean for us?
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!
Fighting crime isn’t just for dogs. Learn about another animal that can be trained to stop “fowl” deeds.
How did prehistoric wolves gradually become domesticated dogs? The authors of the book The Genius of Dogs offer their view.
Honeybees communicate where a nectar source is by dancing. Learn how they tell the bee colony.
As any cat owner will attest, cats are self-reliant. They do not depend on people for their safety or security.
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.
Everyone wants to look his or her best, even flamingos! Find out what scientists surmise about flamingo behavior.
Find out what news correspondent Anderson Cooper thinks about his dog’s intelligence and how little we know about dogs.
Dogs’ brain structures are larger than cats’. Read why some scientists state that brain size is not the determining factor for animal intelligence.
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.
You can now find out if your dog is a super smart canine Einstein. Read on for more.
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.
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.
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.
