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TOP 10 SMARTEST ANIMALS »
Top 10 best smartest animals rated by the LoveToKnow
editors.
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Top 10 List how we choose |
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Primates
Chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans are thought to be among the most
intelligent of creatures. These apes have been known to learn many different
words in sign language and have a complicated communication system. There
have been many different
tests conducted to gauge the intelligence of these creatures. Learn
about how their
habitat can help them thrive or bore them to tears. You'll also want to
read up on different studies being conducted by the
Wisconsin National
Primate Center. |
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Elephants
These amazing mammals are already known for their excellent memories that
allows them to distinguish between friend and foe for life. There are many
examples of elephants doing brave and heroic things that require
apparent thinking skills. They have the
largest brains out of all the land mammals. The
Indianapolis Zoo
has a very interesting program of study and breeding of elephants and was
the first to artificially inseminate an elephant successfully. |
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Dolphins
Move over land mammals, these aquatic
cetaceans are highly intelligent. They
have a language of whistles and chirps that they use to communicate
underwater, can learn dozens of intricate tricks from their human companions
and have been known to rescue people in danger on the seas. They have
saved
surfers from sharks and helped to keep little Elian Gonzalez afloat when
the boat he was on capsized. Dolphins are
toothed whales. Get many more dolphin facts and figures at
The Dolphin
Place. |
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Squid
Squid and octopuses are from the cephalopod class of mollusks. These
creatures are thought to be highly intelligent, even communicating within
their own species. In a
research lab in Naples, the octopus even learned to choose from among two
balls and pick a particular color (red), proving that this creature may be
much more intelligent than even initially thought. A squid's brain weighs
about the same as a cats, so it is thought that their intelligence might
possibly be comparable. |
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Dog
Anyone who has owned a canine can tell you that these animals are highly
intelligent. They communicate with their eyes, bodies and barks and can
distinguish different toys. The border collie in particular seems to be a
highly intelligent dog breed. In some tests,
Rico, a border collie, proved to know the meaning more than 200 words
and was able to apply the logic of a three year old to commands given. The
breeds have been ranked
in order of intelligence and the breakdown is quite interesting. |
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Pig
Pot
bellied pigs in particular are known to be a highly intelligent breed.
They can learn tricks more easily than a dog and can be house trained. They
seem to easily obey simple commands as well, making them a highly desirable
and growingly popular pet option. You'll find many different
videos and articles proving the intelligence of this creature. Thinking
about getting a pig as a pet? You'll want to check out the
pros
and cons beforehand. |
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Parrot
Although relatively small inside compared to large animals such as the
elephant, these birds are known for their ability to learn hundreds of words
and interact with humans. Some parrots have the ability to sew with a needle
and thread or to play peek a boo. Scientists think parrots developed their
intelligence through
cooperative feeding techniques and communication in the wild. Many
people feel their
intelligence is easily on the same level as a three or four year old
human. |
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Sheep
Scientists in Great Britain have done a number of studies with sheep and
have come to believe that the species is much more intelligent than first
thought. Although studying their intelligence has proven to be a challenge,
because
sheep are skittish and shy away easily, researchers have found that they
rank just below pigs in their intelligence. |
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Rats
Studies of rat behavior have shown that older rats become highly
intelligent, learning from past experience. For years, scientists have
studies rats in mazes and used rats for a wide variety of clinical trials.
Owners of rats have claimed that these creatures quickly learn to escape
their cages and are quite social and want to be near family. Now, studies
are showing that rats can learn to escape a trap and steer clear of poison.
Rats are thought to have the intelligence of a two year old and
additional studies are being conducted to find out just how intelligent
they are. |
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Smaller Toothed Whales
Small toothed whales, such as Orca/Killer Whales are thought to be highly
intelligent sea creatures. These whales are able to communicate with one
another and find their group from hundreds of miles apart. They are known to
grieve for dead family members as well. The
brain capacity of whales is larger than other creatures, although this
is only one measure of intelligence. Scientists are also studying the
behavior and ability of whales to gain a full understanding of just how
smart they are. |
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