Most intelligent animals

10. Rat

No. 10 in our countdown of the most intelligent animals are the rat, an very intelligent animal yet much maligned in Western cultures. Widely used in research, the laboratory rat has been known to find shortcuts, loopholes and escape routes in laboratory experiments designed by the best scientific minds of our time. In Chinese culture, the rat is revered for his cunning and resourcefulness. And for good reason - the rat has managed to colonize every continent on Earth except Antarctica. And if history is any indication, they will be there too early.

9. Octopus

Kudos should go to the invertebrate with the strength and ability to screw a lid of a jar! No. 9 in our list is the octopus, one of the most beautiful creatures of the sea This animal is still poorly understood, but scientists are constantly discovering new and awesome abilities of octopus. They play, solving problem, navigating through mazes and a respectable short-term memory. But how is an animal that belongs to the same class as the snail capable of such feats intelligent? It may be that the combination of strength, agility, curiosity and a lot of gray matter sets the octopus out of its soft-bodied brothers.

8. Pigeon

Pigeons are abundant in the largest cities in North America, but most people think of them as mere parasites. However, this bird is very common actually quite intelligent. Because the pigeons were the subjects of countless scientific experiments, there is a wealth of knowledge about their intellectual abilities. For example, pigeons can recognize hundreds of images, even after years have passed. They can also identify themselves in a mirror, learn how to perform a sequence of movements and discriminate subtle differences between two objects, pretty impressive for a single pest.

7. Squirrel

The stubborn persistence of this animal and memory were impeccable nemesis of gardeners throughout its range. Most squirrels display an impressive array of tricks and strategies that help them survive. For starters, these intelligent creatures are animals primarily of wood that have adapted to living alongside humans, eating out of bird feeders, flower gardens and all that food could be dragged. They are also able to store and cache food for lean times, and then find their hidden pieces many months later. They can also pretend to hide food in order to confuse potential thieves that researchers believe shows an advanced level of cunning and intelligence.

6. Pig

Despite a reputation for greed and poor hygiene, pigs are actually very intelligent animals. Both domestic and wild species are known for their ability to adapt to a variety of different ecological conditions. They seem to be at least as trainable as cats and dogs, and some domestic pigs have become a favorite pet pigs in the United States are also extremely flexible. Unlike most other ungulates, which are strictly herbivores, pigs and their relatives are omnivores with a diet that includes some worms and small vertebrates. Where they were introduced worldwide, pigs tend to displace native species. Although devastating effects on native species, this trend is yet another strong indication of the ability of pork.

5. Crow

Cross the street against the traffic can be called "jay-walking", but jays and other members of the crow family understand better than some humans the importance of waiting for the light to change. Crows living in urban areas are known to collect tree nuts and place them in the street for passing cars to crack open the shells. Then, after waiting patiently for the light changes, they return to the streets to get their snack hazelnut crust - an impressive example of innovation animals. Crows also contact people in developed specific dialects and play games and tricks on each other. Some scientists even believe that crows are smarter than primates.

4. Elephant

Contrary to popular belief, elephants are more than giants with big ears and a good memory. In fact, elephants are quite elegant, cultured and curious. They have been known to clean their food and to use tools in different ways in the wild, and they can also take orders for the man in captivity. Elephants are very attentive and empathetic to other members of their group and other species, which is considered a very advanced form of intelligence.

3. Orangutan

The great apes are considered the most intelligent creatures after humans. Of course, human beings are biased in this regard, but the intellectual capacity of great apes is difficult to deny. Among them, orangutans stand out as particularly gifted in the brains department. They have a strong culture and a communication system, and many were observed to use tools in the wild. Orangutans live in widely dispersed communities and form strong social bonds, which may be the key to their cognitive abilities. Females remain with their young for many years, teaching them everything they need to survive in the forest.

2. Dolphin

Have you ever wondered why dolphins and other cetaceans are the star attraction at most aquariums? This is because they are smarter than almost any other creature on the planet. Dolphins are extremely social animals. Schools of dolphins can be observed in the oceans of the world of surfing, running, jumping, spinning, whistling and other play. They also have a sophisticated "language", if humans have only begun to unravel. Dolphins use tools in their natural environment and can learn commands an impressive behavior by trainers from the man. As many of the most intelligent animals on Earth, the female dolphins stay with their young for several years, teaching them all the ropes dolphin.

1. Chimpanzee

Topping our list of most intelligent of animals is another great ape, the chimpanzee. The impressive intellectual capacities of this animal have long fascinated humans. They can make and use tools, hunt group, and are able to solve advanced problems. They are also capable of learning sign language to communicate with humans and can remember the name sign for the people they have not seen for several years. But perhaps the most striking feature of the chimpanzee is the ability to use symbols for objects and combine symbols in a sequence to convey a complex idea. These intellectual gifts are probably essential for maintaining this complex animal social groups, where they form strong bonds and observe the complex hierarchical structure

Source:

http://animal.discovery.com/tv/a-list/creature-countdowns/smartest/smartest-05.html