Which measure is suggested for assessing animal intelligence?

Which measure is suggested for assessing animal intelligence?

• A. Problem solving and tool use
• B. Speed of running
• C. Number of offspring
• D. Color of fur

Answer: (A)

Measuring animal intelligence centers on how animals approach new problems and whether they can use tools to achieve goals. This kind of problem solving shows planning, experimentation, and the ability to learn from experience—clear indicators of cognitive ability across species. Using problem solving and tool use as the main measure captures an animal’s capacity to reason about cause and effect, adapt to unfamiliar tasks, and apply learned strategies. In contrast, running speed reflects physical ability rather than thinking, the number of offspring relates to reproduction (influenced by many non-cognitive factors), and fur color is a physical trait with no direct link to intelligence.

Measuring animal intelligence centers on how animals approach new problems and whether they can use tools to achieve goals. This kind of problem solving shows planning, experimentation, and the ability to learn from experience—clear indicators of cognitive ability across species. Using problem solving and tool use as the main measure captures an animal’s capacity to reason about cause and effect, adapt to unfamiliar tasks, and apply learned strategies. In contrast, running speed reflects physical ability rather than thinking, the number of offspring relates to reproduction (influenced by many non-cognitive factors), and fur color is a physical trait with no direct link to intelligence.