Which examples are cited as evidence of animal intelligence in the material?

Which examples are cited as evidence of animal intelligence in the material?

• A. Dolphins kill for pleasure and chimpanzees use stones
• B. Dolphins hunt for fish
• C. Chickens lay eggs
• D. Lizards bask in the sun

Answer: (A)

Evidence of animal intelligence often comes from behaviors that show problem-solving, planning, and tool use rather than routine survival actions. Using stones as tools by chimpanzees to crack nuts demonstrates understanding of material properties, planning, and the ability to manipulate the environment to obtain a goal. Dolphins engaging in killing for pleasure adds to this picture by showing actions not driven solely by hunger or immediate survival, suggesting flexible thinking and social complexity. In contrast, hunting for fish can be a straightforward predation instinct, laying eggs is a reproductive task, and basking in the sun is thermoregulation; these do not in themselves demonstrate higher cognitive processing. Therefore, the cited examples of tool use and goal-directed, non-essential behavior are the strongest indicators of animal intelligence among the options.

Evidence of animal intelligence often comes from behaviors that show problem-solving, planning, and tool use rather than routine survival actions. Using stones as tools by chimpanzees to crack nuts demonstrates understanding of material properties, planning, and the ability to manipulate the environment to obtain a goal. Dolphins engaging in killing for pleasure adds to this picture by showing actions not driven solely by hunger or immediate survival, suggesting flexible thinking and social complexity. In contrast, hunting for fish can be a straightforward predation instinct, laying eggs is a reproductive task, and basking in the sun is thermoregulation; these do not in themselves demonstrate higher cognitive processing. Therefore, the cited examples of tool use and goal-directed, non-essential behavior are the strongest indicators of animal intelligence among the options.