Top 10 Smartest Animals

The criteria for determining smartness in animals can be different and the results could differ accordingly. Ability to communicate, problem solving skills and other such factors are taken into account while determining the intelligence levels in animals.

Smartest Creatures in the World

The descriptions provided below are that of smartest animals in the world. There can be a difference of opinion on the exclusion of certain creatures from this list. Most of the animals included in the article are, however, considered to be the smartest of all. Here are some smart animal facts, for you to peruse.

Chimpanzees: The chimpanzee monkey tops the list of smartest animals in the world. Ways of communicating and problem solving abilities of these creatures make them intelligent. Sign language used by chimps is applied in communicating efficiently. It has been found that these monkeys combine different symbols and create a language for communicating with each other. Chimpanzees are quite organized in various activities they perform. They prepare their own tools with the help of available materials and use them in hunting. Qualities like self-awareness, altruism and empathy are exhibited by chimpanzees. Being territorial in nature, the chimps exhibit behavioral traits like possession, invasion, etc. In terms of memory, chimpanzees are superior than human beings; it is therefore the smartest animal in the world. Social hierarchy is an important feature of the nature of chimps. The urge to move up the social hierarchy also is found in these animals.

Dolphin: This water mammal is amongst top 10 smartest animals and second only to the chimpanzees. Advanced techniques of communication are used by dolphins. The dolphins communicate ideas and thoughts by means of actions like clicking, whistling or making sounds such as 'eee'. Apart from communicating efficiently, the dolphins are able to hunt with ease; in the process of hunting, dolphins are known to set up traps to catch their prey. Dolphins can follow instructions given to them by human beings. They are capable of solving puzzles and also work in teams with other dolphins.

Elephants: The elephants are amongst smartest animals in the world and have a highly developed brain. Elephants have sharp memory which eases most of their tasks. Remembering the migratory paths is an important benefit of this memory. If a person has hurt the elephant in the past, it will hardly ever forget the behavior; it stays in their memory for a long time. Similarly, the elephants also remember their friends/people who have been kind to them. Developed emotions and depth of understanding also are important behavioral traits of elephants. It has been observed that elephants mourn if any of their companion dies; they even remember the location of the grave-site. Important qualities possessed by elephants include compassion, empathy and self-recognition.

Rhesus Monkey: The most widespread genus in this world apart from human beings, rhesus monkey is among the smartest animals in the world. These monkeys are capable of taking decisions, have a good memory and learn new things. Face of these monkeys is expressive; human beings can decipher thoughts and feelings behind these expressions. Rhesus monkeys are social animals and they can even plan attacks together. Vocal systems of these monkeys are sophisticated; there are many similarities in vocal systems of rhesus monkeys and human beings.

Rats: The rats are creatures which exhibit high levels of intelligence. Sense of hearing and smell in rats is highly developed. Emotions such as joy, remorse, stress, loss, etc. are displayed by these animals. Rats are used in testing and carrying out studies more than any other animal in the world. A mental ability called metacognition is observed in rats; the presentation regarding this study was made in 2007. Metacognition was earlier found only in human beings and few of the primates.

Crows and Ravens: The crows and ravens are said to be the most intelligent of all birds. Intelligence of ravens and crows is mainly observed through the activity of finding food and avoiding predators. These creatures are also able to count, distinguish between shapes and use different tools. Understanding of social hierarchy also makes the crows and ravens intelligent.

Ants: The ants are known for their social and organized behavior. Intelligence of these creatures is best described as strategic and methodical. Territorial nature of ants is well-known. Ants do not allow intruders in their territory. In the process of protecting their territory or while hunting, ants are known to share responsibility and delegate work. Adaptation to changing environmental conditions is an important trait possessed by ants. Apart from being intelligent and organized, ants are physically strong. They are capable of carrying 20 times their own weight.

African Gray Parrot: These parrots can imitate human speech and communicate through various calls and songs. The African Gray Parrots can be trained to converse with each other and for performing different activities. They don't just imitate human speech, but also mimic household noises and other voices. One of the parrots of this type from Japan is capable of identifying 50 different objects, numbers up to 6.

North Pacific Giant Octopus: This creature is among the smartest animals in the world and most intelligent invertebrate. The North Pacific Giant Octopus belongs to class mollusca and the cephalopod family. Problem solving ability and observational learning is found in this octopus. Short and long term memory also is displayed by this mollusk. Camouflaging and ability to mimic are important qualities found in the North Pacific Giant Octopus.

Whales: These are social creatures with ability to communicate across long distances. Social nature of the whales can be observed during activities like hunting. Whales are excellent team players and together they are capable of executing a particular strategy with precision. Emotions like grief are exhibited by whales and it is mostly observed in case a family member dies.

The description of top 10 smartest animals in the world presented through paragraphs above, unveils different characteristics and qualities which make them intelligent. There are, however, many other creatures which can be included in the list of smartest animals.