Humans like to consider themselves the most intelligent animal on Earth, and many argue that is the case because we have built cities, processed metals, built machines, conquered every environment on Earth and now we are starting to explore the deep oceans and space – but does this make us “intelligent” or just clever and supremely adaptable?
Lets take a dive into this and then consider human behaviour, what it says about us as a species and as a society, and how these conclusions may have an impact on the “Fermi Paradox”
The Nature of Intelligence: Rethinking What It Means to Be “Smart”
Intelligence is a concept humanity has grappled with for centuries, often measuring it through lenses of logic, problem-solving, and creativity. Traditionally, we have placed ourselves atop a hierarchy of intellect, viewing the natural world as less evolved or capable in comparison. But as scientific understanding deepens, we are beginning to appreciate the nuances of intelligence in the animal kingdom. Intelligence in nature takes many forms, from problem-solving and social cohesion to empathy and altruism. These discoveries challenge long-standing human assumptions about what it means to be “intelligent.”
Defining Intelligence: More Than Human Metrics
When people think of intelligence, they often picture human traits like language, abstract reasoning, and technological innovation. IQ tests and similar metrics have historically measured cognitive abilities in narrow ways. However, this anthropocentric view excludes the rich tapestry of intelligence found in the natural world.
In the animal kingdom, intelligence is less about standardized tests and more about adaptability and survival. It’s the ability to navigate challenges in an environment, learn from experiences, and cooperate with others. As ethologists and neuroscientists continue to study animals, they find that intelligence manifests in diverse, often surprising ways. From the tool use of crows to the problem-solving of octopuses, the animal world reveals intelligence that defies human-centric definitions.
Intelligence in the Natural World: A Spectrum of Abilities
Problem-Solving and Tool Use
Animals across various species exhibit remarkable problem-solving abilities, sometimes rivalling or surpassing those of young children. Crows and ravens, for instance, demonstrate sophisticated tool use and an understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. Experiments have shown that these birds can craft tools from materials around them, such as bending wires to retrieve food from hard-to-reach places. Such behaviour requires foresight and ingenuity.
Similarly, octopuses—known for their incredible flexibility and camouflage—display extraordinary cognitive abilities. They can navigate mazes, unscrew jars, and even mimic other marine species for defence. Observing their behaviour has led scientists to reassess the capabilities of invertebrates, which were previously underestimated in terms of cognition.
Social Intelligence and Cooperation
Some of the most compelling evidence of animal intelligence comes from their social structures. Elephants, for example, form intricate family units, mourn their dead, and display behaviours akin to cultural practices. In one documented instance, a group of elephants worked together to rescue a baby from a mud pit, showcasing not only problem-solving but also a deep sense of empathy and cooperation.
Dolphins are another prime example of social intelligence. They use complex vocalizations to communicate, have been observed teaching each other survival skills, and even show signs of self-awareness by recognizing themselves in mirrors. Such behaviours suggest a high level of cognitive complexity that parallels human social structures.
Empathy and Altruism
Empathy, once thought to be a uniquely human trait, has been observed in many animals. Rats, for example, will forgo a reward to help a fellow rat escape from a trap. This behaviour implies an understanding of another’s distress and a willingness to alleviate it.
Chimpanzees, our closest relatives, exhibit acts of altruism that go beyond mere survival. In one study, chimps were seen sharing food with unrelated individuals and assisting humans in reaching inaccessible objects. These acts suggest an intrinsic motivation to help, rather than self-interest.
Perhaps one of the most extraordinary examples of animal empathy comes from humpback whales, which have been observed rescuing seals and other marine creatures from orcas. While the motivations behind such actions remain speculative, they point to a level of emotional depth previously underestimated in non-human species.
Humans vs. Animals: Are We Truly the Most Intelligent?
Humans often equate intelligence with technological advancement, citing our ability to build cities, create art, and explore space. But if intelligence is measured by the ability to live harmoniously within an ecosystem, other species may surpass us.
For example, ants and bees have mastered collective intelligence. Their colonies operate with remarkable efficiency, dividing labour and responding dynamically to environmental changes. While these insects lack individual consciousness, their collective decision-making rivals human organizational structures.
Cetaceans like whales and dolphins have brains comparable in complexity to ours, and their communication networks may be as intricate as human languages. Orcas, for instance, have distinct dialects within their pods and even pass down knowledge across generations, akin to cultural traditions.
Furthermore, humans have caused immense ecological damage, from deforestation to climate change, suggesting that our intelligence may not always align with wisdom. Animals, on the other hand, tend to live within the boundaries of their ecosystems, maintaining balance rather than disrupting it.
Intelligence Beyond the Brain: Embodied and Distributed Cognition
Another challenge to traditional notions of intelligence comes from the idea of “embodied” and “distributed” cognition. Intelligence isn’t confined to the brain—it’s distributed throughout the body and environment. For instance, octopus arms operate semi-independently, processing sensory information and making decisions without direct input from the central brain. This decentralized form of intelligence demonstrates that cognition can take diverse forms.
Even plants, long thought to lack any form of intelligence, have been found to communicate through underground fungal networks, often called the “wood wide web.” They can share nutrients, warn neighbours of pests, and even exhibit a form of memory. While vastly different from animal cognition, these behaviours suggest a type of intelligence that serves their survival and reproduction.
Empathy and Altruism: Lessons for Humanity
The presence of empathy and altruism in animals offers profound lessons for humans. If species ranging from rats to whales can demonstrate care for others, why do we so often struggle to do the same? Understanding animal intelligence could inspire us to rethink our relationship with the natural world, fostering greater respect and stewardship.
Empathy in animals also challenges the assumption that survival is driven purely by competition. Cooperative behaviours, seen in species from ants to elephants, suggest that collaboration can be just as vital for survival. This realization has implications for how we approach everything from societal structures to environmental conservation.
Redefining Intelligence: Moving Beyond Human-Centric Views
As we expand our understanding of intelligence, it becomes clear that no single species, including humans, can claim to be the “most intelligent.” Intelligence is diverse, shaped by the challenges and environments of each species.
By recognizing the rich spectrum of animal intelligence, we not only gain insight into other species but also reflect on our own behaviour. Are we as wise as we believe, or simply the most technologically advanced? True intelligence may lie in the ability to live sustainably, cooperate harmoniously, and respect the interconnected web of life.
We need to look at the accepted hierarchical nature of intelligent life on Earth, how it is generally thought of, there are those who may change the categorisations around, but this is the general consensus in the biological community.
It should be noted that creating a hierarchical list of life by intelligence is challenging due to differences in how intelligence is measured and valued across species. However, based on cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, tool use, social complexity, and communication, here’s a 10-tier hierarchy:
1. Highly Advanced Intelligence (Complex Culture, Symbolic Thought, Abstract Problem Solving)
- Examples: Humans, Sperm Whales, Orcas
- Characteristics: Advanced tool use, symbolic communication, cultural transmission, long-term planning.
2. Advanced Intelligence (Sophisticated Social Structures and Communication)
- Examples: Dolphins, Great Apes (e.g., chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas), Elephants
- Characteristics: Self-awareness, empathy, problem-solving, memory, use of tools in the wild.
3. High Intelligence (Tool Use, Learning from Experience)
- Examples: Octopuses, Crows, Ravens, Parrots
- Characteristics: Ability to use tools, demonstrate foresight, mimicry, and problem-solving; often capable of creative thinking.
4. Moderate Intelligence (Social Learning and Communication)
- Examples: Wolves, Dogs, Cats, Pigs, Monkeys (e.g., capuchins, macaques)
- Characteristics: Strong social bonds, ability to learn from humans or each other, basic problem-solving, some tool use.
5. Coordinated Intelligence (Complex Group Dynamics)
- Examples: Bees, Ants, Termites
- Characteristics: Advanced group coordination, problem-solving as a collective, construction of complex habitats.
6. Functional Intelligence (Individual Problem-Solving)
- Examples: Rats, Squirrels, Raccoons, Cephalopods (e.g., squid, cuttlefish)
- Characteristics: Capable of individual problem-solving, memory of locations, and some adaptability to environments.
7. Sensory Intelligence (Pattern Recognition and Navigation)
- Examples: Birds (e.g., pigeons, starlings), Reptiles (e.g., crocodiles), Fish (e.g., salmon, cleaner wrasse)
- Characteristics: Excellent navigation abilities, memory of migration routes, some capacity for communication.
8. Basic Learning and Response
- Examples: Insects (e.g., butterflies, dragonflies), Amphibians (e.g., frogs), Simple Fish
- Characteristics: Respond to stimuli, can learn basic tasks, and display instinct-driven behaviours.
9. Minimal Intelligence (Autonomous Reflexive Behaviour)
- Examples: Jellyfish, Starfish, Molluscs (e.g., clams, oysters)
- Characteristics: Minimal neural capacity, mostly reflexive actions, and basic environmental responsiveness.
10. Non-Neural Organisms (Chemical Signalling, No Nervous System)
- Examples: Plants, Fungi, Coral
- Characteristics: Respond to environmental cues (light, gravity, chemicals), communication via biochemical signals, no central processing.
Comments
- Humans vs. Sperm Whales – While humans have developed complex technology and abstract thought, Sperm Whales exhibit incredible social and cultural complexity that could rival or surpass ours in some areas, such as communication and memory.
- Octopi and Mammals – Octopi share cognitive traits with mammals despite being molluscs, due to convergent evolution. Their intelligence is often underestimated due to their different neural architecture.
- Insects – Social insects like ants demonstrate “swarm intelligence” that rivals individual cognition in other animals.
- Plants and Fungi – While not “intelligent” in the traditional sense, their biochemical signalling systems and interactions with the environment and each other are remarkably sophisticated.
The problem with these definitions is that it fails to account for empathy for the environment, empathy for others of the same species, and true altruism. Humans display altruism, but is it always true altruism?
Altruism is a behaviour that benefits others at a cost to oneself, without the expectation of anything in return. It is a common feature of human societies and can be seen in many cultures and religions.
Now whilst it is true that humans are more than capable of displaying this, there are many accounts in history of people who have given up their life to save others, even animals, so we do know it is not fake, but we often misunderstand altruism in wider society. There are those who volunteer to help in communities or societies far less well of than themselves, such as aid workers, but whilst their motivations may be altruists, there are those within this community that, when they stop being aid givers, they will often use their volunteering to increase their social standing, or to look better at job interviews, turning what was originally just altruism into exploitative altruism, thus, whilst it may not detract from their actions, it shows that humans, no matter how nice they may be, will exploit good deeds for their own benefit.
There are many examples of altruism that has been disguised by the person but is being undertaken for pure self-interest, sociopaths, narcissists and even psychopaths are usually experts in using disguised altruism to make things better for themselves. So with this in mind, perhaps we need to take altruism, environmental empathy, general empathy and social intelligence into account when placing humans in the hierarchy tree of intelligence.
Potential Human Placement
1. Environmental Empathy
Humans often show a very profound lack of environmental empathy. While some individuals and cultures prioritise sustainability, the dominant human behaviours, regardless of culture, religion or politics, have led to widespread environmental degradation (deforestation, pollution, climate change). Unlike Whales or Elephants that live harmoniously within ecosystems, humans often exploit environments beyond repair. Humans behave more like an invasive species that has no natural predator, acting with abandon in a way that is ultimately negative to the environment, but also humans as a whole. Comparisons can be made to rabbits and foxes in Australia, pythons in the Florida everglades etc, ironically, these invasive species are the result of thoughtless and reckless actions by humans.
2. Overall Empathy
Humans possess the capacity for empathy, but its application is selective. It’s frequently limited to immediate social groups or those perceived as similar. Empathy often competes with self-interest or ideological barriers, leading to conflict and inequality. Many humans show empathy, but do not act empathetically, humans are excellent as deceiving others because it benefits us.
3. Altruism
True altruism, as noted above, involves acting without expectation of recognition or personal benefit. While humans are capable of altruistic acts (e.g., anonymous donations, risking one’s life for others), these are exceptions rather than the norm. Much of human “altruism” is motivated by social approval, reciprocal benefits, or self-interest, even if the person displaying that altruism is unaware of their sub-conscious motivations.
4. Tool Use and Communication
Humans excel at tool use and communication, but these capabilities are often wielded destructively—tools are used for exploitation as much as for creation, and communication is often used to manipulate or deceive. This contrasts with species like Cetaceans, Elephants, Bison, Lions, Bees, Termites or Ants, where collective actions sustainably benefit ecosystems.
Likely Placement
Given these considerations, humans should not rank in Tier 1 (Empathic and Altruistic Specialists). A more realistic placement could be Tier 2 (Cooperative Empathic Communicators) or even Tier 4 (Solitary Empathic Problem-Solvers):
- Tier 2 Justification – Humans display advanced cooperation and empathy within social groups, similar to dolphins or wolves. However, this empathy is often limited and selective, undermining broader altruistic claims.
- Tier 4 Justification – Humans often prioritise individual goals or localised empathy, akin to octopi or raccoons. Their environmental contributions are mostly exploitative rather than balanced or regenerative. Quite often, humans behave with immediate gratification in mind rather than long term survival.
Why Humans Might Be Uniquely Flawed
Humans’ cognitive abilities give them unparalleled potential for empathy and altruism, but this is frequently undermined by ego, greed, and short-term thinking. While some humans strive for environmental harmony and altruism, their efforts are often overshadowed by systemic exploitation, cultural, political and even religious restrictions as well as self-interest.
In this hierarchy, humans might best be seen as a paradox – creatures with the capacity for true empathy, environmental stewardship, and altruism, but who often fail to realise these potentialities due to competing instincts and societal structures.
Conclusions
The study of animal intelligence is reshaping our understanding of what it means to be smart. From the empathy of elephants to the ingenuity of octopi, animals display a wide array of cognitive abilities that challenge human assumptions of superiority. As we learn more about the natural world, we must question our anthropocentric biases and embrace a broader, more inclusive definition of intelligence. Doing so not only deepens our connection to the animal kingdom but also offers valuable lessons for how we can coexist with the planet and each other.
Given all of the above, we need to consider how these observations may impact our search for extraterrestrial industrialised intelligences. It is highly likely that any life that has reached or exceeded the levl of human industrialisation will not be that dissimilar to humans. We can dream they will be more Whale like in their behaviour, but the reality is, Whales are not dominant for a reason – beyond the fact they live in the ocean, can’t use fire and have no hands for manipulating their environment. There are plenty of land based animals that could have evolved to become environmentally dominant, and if humanity died tomorrow then there is a liklihood that another primate species may step in, Chimpanzees and Bonobos show many of the psychological attributes that humans do, as do Baboons, with our environmental niche vacated, who knows – it could be Cats!! (scary thought)