Do animals recognize themselves in the mirror?

Mirror tests are not limited to primates. Some animals can also recognize themselves in a mirror. This discovery is an important step towards further research into topics such as animal intelligence and self-awareness. However, the failure of any animal to pass the mirror test indicates that animals have different levels of intelligence and reminds us that each animal has different abilities.

With which animals was the mirror test performed?

The mirror test is a test used to measure the ability of animals to recognize themselves. In this test, a marker or paint is applied to the forehead of the animal and then the animal is placed in front of a mirror. If the animal notices the mark or paint in its reflection in the mirror and tries to remove it by touching its own body, then that animal is one of the animals that can recognize itself.

The mirror test was first performed in the 1970s and was mainly applied to primates. In the first study, chimpanzees were found to recognize themselves. This test was then repeated on orangutans, gorillas, bonobos and other primates, often showing that these animals could recognize themselves.

But the mirror test is not limited to primates. In 2008, a study in Spain found that several species of jellyfish can also pass the mirror test. Also in 2010, a study was published in which pigs passed the mirror test.

In addition, birds are among the animals that can perform the mirror test. In a study in Australia, it was discovered that Australian crows can recognize themselves in a mirror. Among other bird species, cockatoos and parrots can pass the mirror test.

Some animals discovered to recognize themselves in the mirror

The mirror test is a test used to measure the ability of animals to recognize themselves. In this test, a marker or paint is applied to the forehead of the animal and then the animal is placed in front of a mirror. If the animal notices the mark or paint in its reflection in the mirror and tries to remove it by touching its own body, then that animal is one of the animals that can recognize itself.

Mirror test studies, first conducted in the 1970s, showed that primates could recognize themselves. But later research showed that some animals can also recognize themselves in a mirror.

For example, a study conducted in Spain found that several species of jellyfish could pass the mirror test. Having made a mark on their foreheads, these jellyfish recognized this mark in the reflection they saw in the mirror and tried to remove it from their own bodies.

Also, a 2010 study found that pigs can pass the mirror test. In this study it was found that pigs recognized themselves in the mirror and stayed in front of the mirror longer than other animals.

In another example, it was found that Australian crows could pass the mirror test. In a study in Australia, it was found that after crows put a mark on their foreheads, they recognized this mark in the reflection they saw in the mirror and tried to remove it from their own bodies.

Which animals can recognize themselves in the mirror?

The question of whether animals can recognize themselves in the mirror or not is a subject that has long been researched in the scientific world. Studies from the 1970s first discovered that primates can recognize themselves in mirrors. However, studies in recent years have shown that some other animals can also recognize themselves in mirrors.

Here are some of the animals that can recognize themselves in the mirror:

chimpanzees

Chimpanzees, one of the first animals to be discovered, are the most famous animals to recognize themselves in a mirror. Chimpanzees have been found to notice the reflection they see in the mirror after a mark is placed on their forehead and attempt to remove the mark from their own bodies.

orangutans

After chimpanzees, orangutans are another primate species that can recognize itself in a mirror. Orangutans have been observed changing their facial expressions and trying different poses after recognizing themselves in the mirror.

rhinoceroses

Rhinoceroses are among the rare mammals that recognize themselves in a mirror. In one study, it was found that after rhinoceroses got a mark on their foreheads, they recognized themselves in the mirror and tried to remove the mark from their own bodies.

dolphins

Dolphins are among the marine mammals that can recognize themselves in a mirror. In one study, it was observed that after dolphins made a mark on their foreheads, they noticed the reflection they saw in the mirror and tried to remove the mark from their own bodies by examining the reflection.

Crows

Crows are among the birds that can recognize themselves in a mirror. In one study, it was found that crows recognize themselves in the mirror and carefully touch their marked areas.

Animals and intelligence levels

The intelligence levels of animals are highly variable among different species. Intelligence allows an animal to adapt to its environment, solve problems and change its behavior. The intelligence level of animals varies according to environmental pressures, habitat and survival skills.

Primates

Chimpanzees and orangutans are among the most intelligent primates after humans. In particular, chimpanzees can use tools, have complex problem-solving skills, and cooperate in communities.

Dogs

Dogs are among the most intelligent domesticated animals. Dogs are able to form emotional bonds with humans, read facial expressions and even understand the social behavior of other dogs.

Cats

Cats are generally less social and cooperative than dogs. However, they are known for their hunting skills and ability to attract attention.

birds

Birds, especially parrots, crows and owls, have passed many intelligence tests. Some parrots can mimic the way humans speak, and crows have highly developed tools-using and problem-solving skills.

Fishing

Fish are considered less intelligent compared to other animals. However, some fish species can use objects in their environment to search for food and their memory is highly developed.

reptiles

Reptiles have a lower level of intelligence compared to other animals. However, some reptiles, especially iguanas and crocodiles, can exhibit social behavior and form complex social relationships.

Can animals recognize themselves in the mirror?

Yes, some animals can recognize themselves in a mirror.

Which animals can recognize themselves in the mirror?

Some animals can recognize themselves in a mirror, such as chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas, elephant calves, some sea lions, some crows, and blue-capped gulls.

What is the mirror test in animals?

The mirror test is a test used to determine whether an animal can recognize itself by looking at its image in the mirror.

How is the Mirror test performed in animals?

To perform a mirror test, an animal must first discover the mirror. Marks are then made that stick to the animal’s body or use paint and the animal is expected to notice these marks when looking in the mirror.