Despite a reputation for gluttony and poor hygiene, pigs are actually
highly intelligent animals. Both domestic and wild species are known for
their ability to adapt to a variety of different ecological conditions.
They seem to be at least as trainable as cats and dogs, and certain
domestic pigs have become a favorite pet in the U.S. Pigs are also
extremely flexible. Unlike most other ungulates, which are strictly
herbivorous, pigs and their relatives are omnivores with a diet that
sometimes includes worms and small vertebrates. Where they have been
introduced around the world, pigs tend to out-compete the native
species. Though devastating to the native species, this trend is yet
another strong indication of pig cleverness.
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No. 5 - Crow
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Crossing the street against traffic may be called
"jay-walking," but jays and other members of the crow family understand
better than some humans the importance of waiting for the light to
change. Crows living in urban areas are known to gather nuts from trees
and then place them in the street for passing cars to crack open the
shells. Then, after waiting patiently for the light to change, they
return to the street to retrieve their nutty snack - an impressive
example of animal innovation. Crows also communicate in elaborate
population-specific dialects and play games and tricks on one another.
Some scientists even believe that crows are more intelligent than
primates.
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No. 4 - Elephant
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Contrary to popular perception, elephants are more than just lumbering
giants with big ears and a good memory. In fact, elephants are quite
elegant, cultured and curious. They have been known to clean their food
and use tools in various ways in the wild, and they can also follow
human commands in captivity. Elephants are also extremely caring and
empathetic to other members of their group and to other species, which
is considered a highly advanced form of intelligence.
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No. 3 - Orangutan
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The great apes are considered the smartest creatures after humans. Of
course, humans are biased in this regard, but the intellectual capacity
of the great apes is difficult to deny. Among them, orangutans stand out
as being especially gifted in the brains department. They have a strong
culture and system of communication, and many have been observed to use
tools in the wild. Orangutans live in widely scattered communities and
form strong social bonds, which may be the key to their advanced
cognitive skills. Females remain with their young for many years,
teaching them all they need to survive in the forest.
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No. 2 - Dolphin
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Have you ever wondered why dolphins and other cetaceans are the star
attraction at most aquariums? It's because they're smarter than almost
any other creature on the planet. Dolphins are extremely social animals.
Schools of dolphins can be observed in the world's oceans surfing,
racing, leaping, spinning, whistling and otherwise enjoying themselves.
They also have a sophisticated "language," though humans have only begun
to unravel it. Dolphins use tools in their natural environment and can
learn an impressive array of behavioral commands by human trainers. Like
many of the most intelligent animals on Earth, dolphin females remain
with their young for several years, teaching them all the tricks of the
dolphin trade.
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No. 1 - Chimpanzee
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Topping our list of smartest animals is another great ape, the
chimpanzee. The impressive intellectual abilities of this animal have
long fascinated humans. They can make and use tools, hunt collectively,
and are capable of advanced problem-solving. They are also able to learn
sign language to communicate with humans and can remember the name sign
for individuals they have not seen for several years. But perhaps the
most amazing feature of the chimpanzee is its ability to use symbols for
objects and combine the symbols in a sequence to convey a complex idea.
Such intellectual gifts are probably central to maintaining this
animal's complex social groups, where they form strong bonds and observe
elaborate hierarchical structure.
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