The Smartest Animals on Earth (Besides Humans)

Humans aren’t the only intelligent beings on our planet. Numerous scientific studies show that many animals — not just mammals, but also birds and marine creatures — possess remarkable cognitive abilities. While pet lovers may argue that dogs and cats top the list, here’s a selection of animals that truly stand out for their brainpower:  

Crows

Comparable to a 5-year-old child
Crows are widely regarded as the most intelligent birds. They use tools — such as sticks, stones, and leaves — to solve problems and access food. Known for their logical thinking and memory, crows are also highly social and can express a range of emotions.

 

Dolphins

IQ potentially higher than humans
Dolphins have some of the largest brains among animals and display complex behaviors. They communicate using an intricate system of over 14,000 distinct ultrasonic sounds — double the average human vocabulary. Dolphins can recognize themselves in mirrors, learn from experience, and pass knowledge to their young.

 

Rats

Mental skills of a 3-year-old child
Often overlooked due to their association with disease, rats are actually highly intelligent. They navigate mazes with ease, adapt to changing environments, communicate using ultrasonic vocalizations, and live in structured social hierarchies. Fascinatingly, research shows that rats are capable of laughter.

 

Pigs

Comparable to a 4-year-old
Pigs have excellent long-term memory and problem-solving skills. They can be trained quickly, respond to commands, and even interact with simple computer games. Their cognitive abilities rival those of dogs and primates in some areas.

 

Orangutans & Chimpanzees

Comparable to a 7-year-old child
These great apes share a significant percentage of their DNA with humans. They use tools, communicate with gestures and vocalizations, and live in complex social groups with defined hierarchies. Chimpanzees raised by humans have been shown to memorize hundreds of words and communicate through symbolic computer systems.

 

Octopuses

Octopuses are considered the most intelligent invertebrates. With both short- and long-term memory, they can observe, analyze, and solve puzzles. They are experts in camouflage, adapt quickly to their environment, and exhibit impressive hunting strategies.

 

Elephants

Mental level of a 7-year-old
Elephants not only have massive bodies but also huge intellects. They display a full range of emotions, from joy to grief. Elephants are known to mourn their dead, often covering bodies with leaves and standing vigil, suggesting deep emotional intelligence.

 

Ants

Collective intelligence
While an individual ant isn’t particularly smart, the colony functions as a single, highly organized unit. Ants assign tasks, strategize for food collection, and defend their nest efficiently. Their coordination reflects a kind of «hive mind» intelligence.

 

Squirrels

Comparable to a 3-year-old
Despite their size, squirrels are clever and resourceful. They can hide hundreds of food caches and remember each hiding spot. If a squirrel notices someone watching, it will relocate its stash to keep it safe — a sign of advanced planning and awareness.

 

African Grey Parrots

Cognitive level of a 5-year-old
These parrots are famous for their exceptional mimicry and social nature. African greys can remember and use hundreds of words and sounds. Some studies suggest their problem-solving and communication skills rival those of young children.