Top 10 smartest animals

It is generally accepted that man is the most mentally developed being. However, do not underestimate the intelligence of some animals. This selection will tell you about which animals could well compete with humans in mental development ...

9 PHOTOS

1. Pigs

Although at first glance this animal does not look particularly intelligent, pigs actually have a good memory and show high results in tests of intelligence and observation. They are also easy to learn, well-oriented in space, and even able to understand simple symbolic language.

2. Jaco parrots

We all know that some parrots are able to easily reproduce the words and sounds they often repeat. Many are sure that this skill of parrots does not carry any mental strength, because they simply repeat sounds, up to intonation, without understanding the very meaning of the learned words. But this is only because of the lack of proper training! Scientists have proven that parrots are able to associate words with objects, and also perceive shapes, colors, and serial numbers.

3. Squirrels

Squirrels are not only quick-witted but also able to pull off quite cunning schemes. For example, if you once fed a squirrel, then it is likely that the next day it will come back to you again and happily take another handful of treats. The squirrel can repeat these actions endlessly, because everything that it cannot eat at one time, will thrift store in its “secret”.

4. Dogs

It's no secret how smart "man's best friends" are sometimes. Dogs are able to memorize and perform up to 250 different commands, count up to 5, and perform simple mathematical operations. Poodles are considered the smartest breed of dog, however, with proper upbringing, any sharpei or dachshund can overtake even the smartest breed by one or two!

5. Cats

These proud pets could not help but get into this rating. Cats are known for their ability to adapt to any environment. If you think that long hours of teaching your cat any command were wasted and she did not understand anything - you are mistaken! After all, a cat may simply not want to do what she is asked to do. Remember that the cat's ability to say "no" and treat everything with a share of indifference is also a sign of high intelligence and quick wits.

6. Crows

These birds are known for their sharp mind and incredible ingenuity. To get to the food, crows are able to do things that are unthinkable, as for birds. For example, put nuts under the wheels of the car so that they crack or throw pebbles to the bottom of the water tank so that the water level rises and they can drink. Scientists are still exploring the mind of these birds and wonder how crows have learned to get out of various situations!

7. Octopuses

Despite the fact that the appearance of octopuses with their huge brains relative to the body suggests the high intelligence of these marine inhabitants, few people pay attention to this and know about their abilities. For example, did you know that octopuses distinguish between geometric shapes, recognize the people who feed them, and also have a good memory, and are amenable to training? Willing to bet no...

8. Elephants

Surely many have heard or even seen how elephants are able to draw pictures and carry out various commands. This signals that the intelligence of these giants is very, very developed. Elephants easily navigate the terrain, recognize themselves in a mirror image and have a strong memory. In addition, they are able to hold tools and objects with their trunks and distinguish many sounds. That certainly distinguishes elephants from all other animals with high intelligence is the ability to empathize with their fellows and sincerely mourn the death of their own kind.

9. Chimpanzee

These intelligent creatures are the closest "relatives" of man. If you put a 2-year-old child and a chimpanzee next to each other, then you will not notice much difference in the level of their development. Chimpanzees (especially bonobos) have a decent sense of humor and can communicate with gestures. They are also able to make tools by tearing leaves from sticks and sharpening their ends.

10. Dolphins

The most powerful intelligence, among the entire list of animals in this rating, is perhaps dolphins. Their brain is designed in such a way that they can easily cope with memorizing a huge number of sounds, forming the so-called "vocabulary". An interesting fact: in their environment, each dolphin has a name to which they respond when their relatives call them. A high level of mental and emotional development puts these marine inhabitants almost on the same level as humans.