The Octopus and the Orangutan
More True Tales of Animal Intrigue, Intelligence, and Ingenuity
by Eugene Linden The octopus has none of the qualities that are looked for in the search for animal intelligence. They have short lives, brains the size of two walnuts, don't usually meet their mothers, and have been around for a long time. And yet, one octopus, upon receiving a squid he didn't like, made eye contact with his keeper while purposefully throwing the squid away. Chimps may be developing armed warfare. Orcas practice their tricks during their free time.
Various animals show intelligence in varying forms. Both anecdotally and scienifically, Linden cites animal exploits demenstrating intelligence. He speculates on the evolutionary value of intelligence from a Darwinian point of view, despite continually marvelling the intelligence one would not expect if nature expiriments only in a Darwinian fashion. Linden argues that humans have used their intelligence in ways that in long term will prove to be very stupid. Linden's anecdotes are amusing and fun to read.
Question: What is intelligence?
Happy reading.
