"How Smart are Animals?" Flashcard

Front

What does C. G. Beer’s experiment on the ‘long calls’ of laughing gulls demonstrate?

Back

There are differences in the calls of birds that are hard for a human to notice.

Front

Why is it important to develop different ideas of animal intelligence?

Back

Since the lives of animals are so different from ours, we can’t apply human standards to them.

Front

What is the ‘Clever Hans phenomenon’?

Back

An experiment in which an animal seems intelligent but is merely responding to cues.

Front

How can trainability be confused with intelligence?

Back

Trainability refers to an animal's ability to learn tricks, but it does not necessarily indicate that the animal understands what it is doing.

Front

What example best illustrates intelligence in animals according to the text?

Back

An animal decides that it wants to work on matching shapes as well as on solving mazes.

Front

What does it mean to interpret a story?

Back

Determining its meaning.

Front

What is the significance of understanding animal communication?

Back

It helps us recognize the complexities of animal behavior and intelligence.

Front

How do human standards of intelligence differ from animal intelligence?

Back

Human standards often involve reasoning and abstract thinking, while animal intelligence may be based on survival skills and adaptability.

Front

What role does environment play in animal intelligence?

Back

An animal's environment can shape its behaviors and cognitive abilities, influencing how it learns and interacts.

Front

What is an example of a behavior that might indicate animal intelligence?

Back

Problem-solving abilities, such as using tools or navigating mazes.