Are you smarter than a Bornean orang-utan?

Question

Some of my closest relatives are orang-utans and they share about 97 percent of the human genetic makeup. Great conversationalists and one of them - Harvey - consistently beats me in Chess.

Answer 1

Hi Suzi. First I would like to address the answer given by the top contributor, Jim who seems to think that he is far more intelligent than a Borean orag-utan. he calls himself a biologist, which in real term has nothing to do with animals for example A biologist

(A biologist is a scientist devoted to and producing results in biology through the study of organisms. Typically biologists study organisms and their relationship to their environment. Biologists involved in basic research attempt to discover underlying mechanisms that govern how organisms work. Biologists involved in applied research attempt to develop or improve medical, industrial or agricultural processes. Some biologists work in management positions coordinating or supervising research. Technicians perform specialised tasks using laboratory equipment.)

Hence no connection to animals.

He claims that you can not measure the intelligence of an animal. How is it possible that a monkey can be trained to do complicated tasks and this training can not be measured. Does he think that a monkey even though has successfully completed such a task the intelligence level and not be measured. Think again Jim.

All progress be it human or mammal can be measured. The spelling that Suzi gave is so correct, as there are many spices in this world, look in a dictionary. Unless you live next door to Suzi, you can not claim that her closest relatives are Orang-utan.

It is claimed that the Bornean Orang-utan is the closes species to that of human including intelligence andno matter what your claim, it is possible you can teach the Bornean to play any game you want. I suggest you continue to seek out your organisms and leave the answers to people who understand.

Now Suzi, your question. The Bornean Orang-utan has been on this earth for 1.5 to 1-7 million years, the name Bornean Orang-utan means "old man of the forest" or "red ape". Old man of the forest was named after it was seen walking upright as would a man, Red ape, well that is self explanitory. There is a dispute as to where the animal prefers, some say it like to be high in the tree, some state that it prefers the lower ground. however it has been called the closest animal to that of man/woman (non sexist) Its diet is 60% fruit and other dietary preference are, leaves, plants, flowers, nuts and occasionally insects and small mammals. The mask around its face is an air bag and when full it's call can be heard over a kilometer away, this is used for calling in the mating season or protecting terriorty. Bornean Orang-utan are solitary individuals and only allows females into his territory for mating only. The only time a male Bornean Orang-utan will come across another male is by crossing boundaries and this could be a problem for both.

The Bornean Orang-utan female gestates between 235-275 days depending of food supplies. she keeps the babies with her for 9 years.

The Bornean Orang-utan will contruct a nest in the trees and if it is raining it will include a leak prove cave from leaves and branches. A Bornean Orang-utan will live for approx 35 - 40 years, but at the moment they are on the downfall due to man destroying their habitation.

Man (me) I am educated and graduated with top honours, I have a BA in third world studies, MA in Administration management and a docturate in commercial financing. I don't think for one minute that I am superiour to that of a Bornean Orang-utan, as I believe if we were both put in the same situation with the same equipment, the compertition would be very close. I could not survive in the forest and but a Bornean Orang-utan could be taught to live in or near our society. So whatch out Jim, you might have one living next door to you soon. Best wishes and a happy new year

Answer 2

They won't even look at me or admit we're related. They just leave notes about how unfair it is Kirk Cameron has all of the bananas, which are perfectly made for the orangutan's hand.

Answer 3

Oh yes. You see you cant measure intelligence in animals. I know I am more intelligent than you. I can spell orangutan correctly. I also know that none of your closest relatives are non-hominid primates. And that you must be one lousy chess player.


Orangutan, Pongo spp
http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/orangutan

Answer 4

um i hope i;m smarter than an orang-utan.
but they are pretty smart animals, i think chimpanzees are smarter, they are the only animal that can recognise their own reflection besides us humans

Answer 5

To Quote UU's Librarian: "Ook."