Animal Intelligence
Past and present mainstream notions hold ‘life’ to be a phenomenon found
exclusively in that of human beings, and not animals. But what exactly
are the criteria for the title of ‘life’? Of which many men through out
history have exclusively bestowed upon themselves? The problem with this
outdated view and understanding of life is the fact that many of the
qualities that could be identified and pointed out in humans, (in an
attempted foundation towards a case of human superiority over animals),
there is inevitably an animal somewhere in the world that can not only
easily perform the same task man would proudly boast, but can in fact
greatly out perform their human counterparts. This truth of simple
scientific observation would appear to immediately 'blur the lines' of
what is alive scientifically speaking and what is not, much to the
dismay of older dogmas and their rigid enforcers.
There are literally thousands of fascinating experiments and research programs taking place worldwide which independently and collectively demonstrate extraordinary levels of intelligence. Intelligence found in abundance throughout the animal kingdom. The most common phrases from observing scientist and researchers being that of ‘surprised’ and ‘amazed’.
A remarkable and important example with tremendous underlying implications, is the fact that Gorillas and other Apes posses the inherent intelligence and capacity to learn complex languages like that of sign language, gaining the verbal skills and ability to express their needs and feelings via sign language. Thus effectively bridging the communication gap between Gorillas and humans by communicating with their sign speaking caretakers. Sign speaking gorillas allow scientist to gain an amazing window into the complex social world of Gorillas. One of the most famous cases is the story of Koko the Gorilla.
Koko is a Western Lowland Gorilla who, according to her lifelong caretaker Francine 'Penny' Patterson, is able to understand more than 1,000 signs based on American Sign Language, and understand approximately 2,000 words of spoken English. This significant vocabulary and level of intelligence is equal to that of a human five year old. One of the more fascinating things that have come to the attention of researchers is how emotionally ‘aware’ Koko and other animals like her are. It is truly astounding how much of a sense of ‘self’ these animals carry. They use words of expression like happy, sad, lonely, bored and so fourth.
Another compelling phenomenon having to do with animal intelligence, life, and the inherent abilities and potentials life carries, is the ongoing research into the reoccurring historical phenomenon of animals leaving in a mass exodus prior to natural disasters. The most compelling evidence for this phenomenon outside of the endless historical accounts and witnessing of the phenomenon is that of the recent 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami which claimed thousands of human lives. Yet mysteriously every animal which was not trapped indoors and had freedom of movement escaped safely and unharmed well in advance. The implications of such a documented phenomenon warrant a much more in depth scientific investigation. However, recently the subject was thoroughly discussed and outlined in the PBS documentary ‘Can Animals Predict Disaster’ which has brought some degree of mainstream awareness in regards to this phenomenon.
Investigating scientist wish to obtain a greater understanding as to what methods are being implored by animals in the detection of these disasters, and furthermore what exactly the force may be that they are tapping into to gain this awareness. This research can ultimately answer many questions and shed light on to deeper philosophical questions such as, do humans posses these abilities? And if so, have humans silenced and suppressed these abilities? Is mankind ignoring this dormant and latent sense?
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There are literally thousands of fascinating experiments and research programs taking place worldwide which independently and collectively demonstrate extraordinary levels of intelligence. Intelligence found in abundance throughout the animal kingdom. The most common phrases from observing scientist and researchers being that of ‘surprised’ and ‘amazed’.
A remarkable and important example with tremendous underlying implications, is the fact that Gorillas and other Apes posses the inherent intelligence and capacity to learn complex languages like that of sign language, gaining the verbal skills and ability to express their needs and feelings via sign language. Thus effectively bridging the communication gap between Gorillas and humans by communicating with their sign speaking caretakers. Sign speaking gorillas allow scientist to gain an amazing window into the complex social world of Gorillas. One of the most famous cases is the story of Koko the Gorilla.
Koko is a Western Lowland Gorilla who, according to her lifelong caretaker Francine 'Penny' Patterson, is able to understand more than 1,000 signs based on American Sign Language, and understand approximately 2,000 words of spoken English. This significant vocabulary and level of intelligence is equal to that of a human five year old. One of the more fascinating things that have come to the attention of researchers is how emotionally ‘aware’ Koko and other animals like her are. It is truly astounding how much of a sense of ‘self’ these animals carry. They use words of expression like happy, sad, lonely, bored and so fourth.
Another compelling phenomenon having to do with animal intelligence, life, and the inherent abilities and potentials life carries, is the ongoing research into the reoccurring historical phenomenon of animals leaving in a mass exodus prior to natural disasters. The most compelling evidence for this phenomenon outside of the endless historical accounts and witnessing of the phenomenon is that of the recent 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami which claimed thousands of human lives. Yet mysteriously every animal which was not trapped indoors and had freedom of movement escaped safely and unharmed well in advance. The implications of such a documented phenomenon warrant a much more in depth scientific investigation. However, recently the subject was thoroughly discussed and outlined in the PBS documentary ‘Can Animals Predict Disaster’ which has brought some degree of mainstream awareness in regards to this phenomenon.
Investigating scientist wish to obtain a greater understanding as to what methods are being implored by animals in the detection of these disasters, and furthermore what exactly the force may be that they are tapping into to gain this awareness. This research can ultimately answer many questions and shed light on to deeper philosophical questions such as, do humans posses these abilities? And if so, have humans silenced and suppressed these abilities? Is mankind ignoring this dormant and latent sense?
Next
