Chimps Are Manipulative Dicks, New Research Confirms
As humans, we like to think we’re the only species capable of using others to get what we want. New research shows…
Dear Lord, Praying Mantises Can Actually Catch Fish
Praying mantises are what scientists call “generalist” hunters, meaning they eat pretty much whatever they want.…
Blue-and-Yellow Macaws Turn Pink to Communicate, but What Are They Saying?
Do you ever get so excited about something that your whole face starts to turn red? Well, it seems that blue-and-yellow…
How Does Your Self-Control Fare Against Great Tits'?
Great tits appear to have nearly as much self-control as chimpanzees, if a new experiment’s results are accurate. They…
This Brain Part Could Explain Why Parrots Are so Much Smarter Than Other Birds
Parrots are known for their intelligence, but why they should be so much smarter than other birds isn’t entirely clear.…
Neat Experiment Suggests Crows Are Even Better Toolmakers Than We Thought
New research shows that crows can recreate tools from memory, a capacity previously thought impossible for birds.
Koko the Gorilla, Famous for Learning Sign Language, Has Died
Koko, arguably the world’s most famous gorilla, has died at the age of 46. Known for her ability to communicate through…
Fascinating Experiment Suggests Bees Understand the Concept of Zero
Humans have relegated insects to the lower levels of the cognitive totem pole, but scientists are increasingly showing…
In the World of Male Dolphin Alliances, Individual Names Identify Friends and Foes
The life of a bottlenose dolphin can be surprisingly rough, with individuals chasing, biting, and smashing themselves…
This Cockatiel Can Sing an Apple Ringtone Perfectly and It's Freaking Us Out
A video of a cockatiel singing a famous ringtone melody has us wondering why these birds are so good at mimicking…
Connecticut Lawsuit Is the First to Claim Elephants as Legal Persons
Yesterday, the Nonhuman Rights Project filed a petition on behalf of three elephants being kept at a Connecticut zoo.…
Compared to Wolves, Dogs Are Absolutely Terrible at Cooperation
Humans and dogs have a long history of working together, leading to the assumption that the collaborative abilities of…
Are Wolves Better Problem Solvers Than Dogs?
From a young age, human children learn that a rattle won’t make a noise until it’s shaken, and that placing fingers on…
How the Dragonfly’s Surprisingly Complex Brain Makes it a Deadly Hunter
Like a baseball player running to make a catch, dragonflies are also capable of predicting the trajectory of a moving…
More Evidence That Ravens Are Ridiculously Intelligent Birds
New research shows that ravens can plan ahead for different types of events, and even resist the urge to take an…
Appeals Court Says Chimps Are Not Legal Persons—Here's Why They're Wrong
Yesterday, a New York state appeals court rejected an appeal filed by the Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) seeking legal…
A Deceptively Simple Test Just Taught Us Something New About Elephant Intelligence
It’s hard to know how smart animals are for the simple reason that they’re not able to come right out and tell us.…
For Science, Ants Have to Run on This Never-Ending Treadmill From Hell
Given their size and limited brain power, ants have an uncanny ability to find their way home after lengthy foraging…
Monkeys Learn to Pass a Classic Test For Self-Awareness
The ability to look into a mirror and recognize oneself is a cognitive skill we all take for granted, but very few…