Question

Scientists often use measures of “higher-order thinking” to assess intelligence in other animals. For example, birds are judged to have sophisticated thought processes because they can use tools and make use of abstract concepts. Identify problems you see in defining intelligence in these ways.

Short answer

Higher intelligent animals have some brain features that make them smarter. One of these is the neocortex, which is essential for sophisticated cognition. These structures are absent in birds and other animals, rendering them less clever.

This unfairly disadvantages these animals who lack specific brain components, making the system unfair.

Step-by-step solution

Intelligence in animals

Intelligence in animals is the combination of their skills and abilities to survive and adapt to the surrounding environment.Animals can learn to adjust their habits and behaviors to adapt to their surroundings.

These skills are necessary for processing information and making reasonable decisions in its broadest sense.

Higher-order thinking in animals

Scientists have recently found that animals think in a particular manner, not only to humans. For example, some animals exhibit certain non-linguistic math skills, some possess episodic memory, and some animals like dogs can navigate through landmarks.

Problems in defining intelligence in animals

In humans, conversation and written tests can determine intelligence,but inanimals, conversation or written tests cannot be conducted; thus, defining intelligence in animals is a significant problem.

The neocortex is present in all mammals, although the size and architecture of the neocortex vary greatly amongst mammalian taxa.The neocortex functions in cognition, sensory perception, reasoning, and motor commands.

Thus, the presence of the neocortex in certain animals indicates higher-order thinking and intelligence in these animals. Still, defining intelligence in animals is one of the significant issues.