When it comes to the smartest species within the animal kingdom, elephants are definitely near the top of the list. Studies have shown that elephants have complex behaviors and survival skills. After all, an elephant's brain weighs almost 5 kilograms and has three times more neurons (神经元) than a typical human brain.
Elephants have impressive memories. We've all heard the old saying "an elephant never forgets" at some point. As it turns out, the saying is based on far more truth than you'd think. Elephants are capable of remembering food and water locations for amazingly long periods of time! Elephants also remember friends and even enemies for several years.
The most well-known method of measuring animal intelligence is the "mirror test". They may try to fight with their reflection immediately. But elephants are capable of recognizing themselves in a mirror.
When it comes to social intelligence, elephants are also amazingly outstanding! They care deeply for and protect one another within their family groups. Elephants commonly work together to access and share resources like food and water or to protect each other from enemies. In addition, elephants are expert at communication. They use all their senses—hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch when interacting with each other. Their emotional range is also impressive. They will even get into deep sorrow when a close companion or family member dies.
It turns out that elephants are masters ot using tools like rocks and tree branches for very complex purposes! Their strong, flexible trunks are a huge help to them. Researchers have observed elephants using branches to knock fruits and leaves out of trees so they and their group members can eat them. The use of tools is a key determinant (决定因素) of animal intelligence, as it takes a highly intelligent animal to figure out and remember how to use them.
