Is there such a thing as "animal intelligence?"?

Question

If you believe so, give an example of how you have proven your theory.

I want to know about animal INTELLIGENCE, not something that an animal has been trained/conditioned to do to receive a reward (usually food).

Answer 1

Koko the gorilla can use sign language to communicate.
Elephants at some zoos produce artwork.
Dolphins can be used to detect naval hazards.
Laboratory mice are capable of navigating complex mazes to retrieve rewards.

Beyond those examples, even household pets exhibit a level of sentience. Dogs respond to commands, learn complex tricks, and can adapt behaviour to compensate for unexpected changes. Birds learn how to imitate noise, even speech, to elicit interaction from their owners.

Answer 2

Higher ordered animals, particularly mammals, have intelligence. This is evidenced by the fact that their offspring must be taught many of the things they need to survive. In other words, they do not know these things by instinct. They are capable of learning and applying trial and error. Some animals have shown amazing reasoning abilities by solving problems in unique ways. Some examples were provided by previous answers. It also stands to reason that there are varying degrees of intelligence among members of the same species of animals just as there are variations among humans. I know I've had pets where some caught on very quickly and others were, well, dumb as rocks.

Answer 3

"I want to know about animal INTELLIGENCE, not something that an animal has been trained/conditioned to do to receive a reward (usually food)"

The word 'intelligence' is too vague. Define your terms if you want a better answer. I think you mean "abstract thought" or "reasoning."

Here's an example of abstract thought in crows
http://www.sciencemag.org/feature/data/crow/

Answer 4

Yes, there is.
For example dogs are much more intelligent than pigs that is why they are used by the police, although pigs have much better developed sense of smell, but they are not intelligent enough to learn how to serve the policeman.

Answer 5

There are many terrific examples given already so I'll just add that I've witnessed my own dogs do some pretty smart things.

One of them figured out how to open our sliding glass door with his nose so he could go outside when HE wanted to go out.... quite clever.

Another of my dogs saw me pulling a sled full of logs, while helping my dad stack wood for the winter, and started helping to pull it up the path before I even was done reloading it.

My dogs will "ask" me for things and know how to show me the things they want by leading me to the object of their desire.

I have German Shepherd Dogs and I love how intelligent they are... it is one of the reaosns I favor the breed... they're exceptionally bright and I love a dog who can think for himself.

Answer 6

I could start with me. I am an animal and I can solve problems and work out situations.
If you think it's about brain size, maybe you should study:

Wolves. They dynamically change their hunting strategies according to the situation.

Crows. Capable of imagining what other critters think - it's called 'theory of mind'.

Chimpanizees. Tool construction and use to catch termites. Among other things.

Answer 7

Of course there is. How would you explain the dogs that help the blind. They help them to get around and do everyday activities. That is pretty intelligent if you ask me!

Answer 8

yeah look at men they can walk and talk

Answer 9

birds useing twiggs to get grubs out of trees ./////////

Answer 10

ooooooo man you need to watch discovery channel more!!!!!!