Top 9 Smartest Animals

One might feel that we humans are the most smartest creations on Earth. But that is not entirely true. There are several other animals that are much more smarter than we humans. Here is the list of the top 9 clever animals that exist on the Earth

1. Ravens

We are mostly used to the sight of Ravens depicted darkness and cruel themes especially in the poems and short stories of mystery and macabre by Edgar Allan Poe. They are also skilled animals that are capable of multitasking. We have heard of the capacity of the apes to analyze the surroundings, but the capability of the Ravens on the same is higher than the apes according to researches conducted in Canada and Scotland. Even the common crow which is closely related to the raven, is also a highly intelligent bird.

2. Dolphins

The intelligence characteristics of dolphins are well known to all people. According to reports published by Discovery News, the studies have revealed that the brain of the animal is much more complex when compared to human brains and respond to emotions and recognitions. Discovery news report had talks with the dolphin expert from Emory University. She had stated in her interview that the dolphins had a brain finesse level very close to human in a certain kind of study that compared the human intelligence standards to other animals.

3. Rats

Rats have attained a bad name with its name being highly associated with diseases. But the fact lies that these creatures, are truly brilliant animals. Rattus norvegicus even though a common animal are much more brilliant that humans have thought them to be. University of Guelph had submitted reports of their studies on the intelligence level of rats. The researchers had stated that even though the rats didn't have the ability to create a strategic approach to face a mental task as humans do, they still had their own way to becoming successful. The studies were done on some tests and the rats proved their excellence by moving across through the loopholes and amazing changes that were not actually evaluated by the humans.

4. Pigs

Pigs are normal domestic animals which spend most of their time in dirt and mud. But researchers have shed light on the immense smartness of these animals. Pigs can use several techniques to deceive the other pigs and get a good share of the food. Even though they didn't pass the self recognition mirror test, they did know the working of the mirror and use it to mislead the other pigs. Reports on Animal Behavior also show that these animals could perform complex circus tricks like jumping through hoops, spin, respond to command and even play video games.

5. Bonobos

Bonobos are a group of animals that are native to Central Africa and are on the list of highly endangered animals. Pan paniscus is a species of chimpanzee whose intelligence level is highly acclaimed. There are several apes which can communicate with humans through their sign language and bonobos have also been successfully taught to do so. In a recent edition of National Geographic, these is the excerpt about the Bonobo named Kanzi who has a symbol-communication board which he carried with him. With this he could easily communicate with any human through his actions. His communications are constantly recorded by the researchers and new symbols are being constantly developed by the Bonobo when faced with new challenges to express his idea or feelings.

6. Squirrels

Squirrels are usually seen to dart across roads and the question arise if they know the danger that they are in when crossing a busy road. Some studies on squirrels show that they may be aware of the impending dangers, but they do not care if the reason for the sprint across, is the food source across the street. Squirrels learn from observing the surrounding around them and food theft is something that can be attributed to be passed on. They learn most tricks from its associates.

7. Elephants

Elephants are commonly known for their cleverness. Even the studies conducted in the wild have proven their capacity to use tools for their benefit. They combat the ticks that take a place on their body with pieces of sticks and even use pond leaves to shoo away the flies. Nature Institute has conducted comprehensive studies and proved their high intelligence level. Youd elephants when let into the wild with the wooden bells were found to have stuffed their bells with mud of clay to prevent the bell from clinging. They then barged into nearby banana fields at night to steal food. The farmer would find almost all of the ripe bananas gone by the morning.

8. Cows

Cows are seen to be rather calm animals that are only interested in working upon the cud. As a result of several studies conducted on these highly calm animals, they have been found to have a well developed social and emotional life. They are found to make friends and even enemies with other cows. Studies also reveal that they can respond highly to anxiety, pain and fear. They even worry about the future.

9. Bees

Bees are always found in groups and their intelligence is greatest when they are in their group. When we are considering the intelligence level of bees, we will have to consider the bee hive as a whole and not a single bee as such. A single creature cannot bring about any intelligent activity, but work in a swarm intelligence structure. When the whole swarm is working on a certain matter, they work together. The question was what would happen when the bees failed to agree with each other. Such questioning situations was flagged off for hive decision with the democratic dance-off. One of the examples of the dance off can be when the bees leave a hive due to overpopulation. As per the queens instructions, the scouts are sent out to look for place of stay and this is expressed by the act of dance put up by the bees.