Animal Intelligence

1. Animal Intelligence By: Megan

2. The alternative name cognitive ethology is therefore sometimes used; and much of what used to be considered under the title of animal intelligence is now thought of under this heading.

3. Counting has been considered an ability that shows intelligence. Early anecdotal evidence has suggested that crows may count up to 3.[2] Researchers however need to be cautious and ensure that birds are not merely demonstrating the ability to subitize.[3][4] Some studies have suggested that crows may indeed have a true numerical ability.[5] Parrots have been shown to count up to 6.[

4. Studies with captive birds have given insight into which birds are the most intelligent. While parrots have the distinction of being able to mimic human speech, studies with the African Grey Parrot have shown that some are able to associate words with their meanings and form simple sentences (see Alex). Along with parrots, the crows, ravens, and jays (family Corvidae) are perhaps the most intelligent of birds. Not surprisingly, research has shown that these species tend to have the largest HVCs. Dr. Harvey J. Karten, a neuroscientist at UCSD who has studied the physiology of birds, has discovered that the lower parts of avian brains are similar to those of humans.

5. Birds communicate with their flockmates through song, calls, and body language. Studies have shown that the intricate territorial songs of some birds must be learned at an early age, and that the memory of the song will serve the bird for the rest of its life. Some bird species are able to communicate in a variety of dialects. For example, the New Zealand saddleback will learn the different song "dialects" of clans of its own species, much as human beings might learn diverse regional dialects. When a territory-owning male of the species dies, a young male will immediately take his place, singing to prospective mates in the dialect appropriate to the territory he is in.

6. This page last modified on Thursday, September 09, 2010 Certain breeds, like Doberman Pinschers, Border Collies, Poodles, German Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Rottweiler, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, are claimed by some to be "smarter" breeds of dogs because of their obedience. However, the ability and willingness to learn and obey commands is not the only possible measurement of intelligence. Other breeds, such as sled dogs and sight hounds demonstrate intelligence in other ways

7. Bulldogs aren’t very smart, but some know how to sleep calmly with babies.