7 Animals Smarter Than Humans

By Paula Alvarado, TreeHugger

Bodies that work with the Earth’s magnetic field to determine location. Female-only societies. Telling whether you’re a friend or a jerk there to make trouble with just one whiff. Homes so efficient they keep one steady temperature all the time. No, we’re not talking about new X-Men or other comic book characters, we’re talking about animals with skills we can only dream of.

These seven animals are way smarter than us — just another reason to pay some respect when we encounter them in the wild.

1. Homing Pigeons
While most humans need several types of maps and a compass to find their way home after a long journey, the homing pigeon can return from extremely long distances (more than 1,100 miles) without any guidance.

Well, as a matter of fact, they do have some help: According to research by the University of Frankfurt, these pigeons have iron-containing structures in their beaks, which help them sense the Earth’s magnetic field independent of their motion and posture, and thus identify their geographical position.

Research results released this year indicate this magnetic charm is present in other birds as well.

Image Credit: digitalART2 / Flickr

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Carole R.

11:46AM PDT on May 1, 2012

Not surprised. :0)

send a green star

Chris M.

9:34AM PDT on May 1, 2012

Smarter...more humane...more compassionate...need I go on?

KATHLEEN C.

3:51AM PDT on Apr 22, 2012

I believe many species are not only more intelligent than humans, but with their far superior senses and abilities I wonder why God didn't give them dominion over us. Seems to me, we have made a terrible mess of this earth.

Teresa C.

12:23AM PST on Mar 7, 2012

I agree with the posters who said that animals are smarter than humans because they're too smart to destroy their own planet--I agree. Any animals stupid enough to befoul their only living space, as we have, doesn't deserve to be termed anything but flat-out stupid!

Leslie G.

8:33PM PST on Nov 23, 2011

Smart than sooomeee humaans

Shan D.

11:32PM PDT on Oct 30, 2011

"elephants can tell whether a human is friendly or a threat by their scent and color of clothing. So good luck trying to fool them."

So what color of clothing should we wear to convince an elephant we are friendly?

Past Member .

11:15AM PDT on Sep 11, 2011

Seems to me almost any animal is smarter than humans who are out to destroy the environment.

Animals aren't that inane. Or, perhaps, I should include the s -- insane.

Ariel L.

6:55PM PDT on Jul 18, 2011

plants don't even have brains and they live purely off of the basic elements, can adapt and evolve, can hurt or cure, the list goes on...i've always believed humans to be the worlds dumbest or at least most unthinkingly destructive animal on earth.like some alien expirement with early primates gone wrong.lol

Jody R.

9:03PM PDT on Jul 2, 2011

I have always thought dags were smarter than people. They know when you need comfort, help and even when they have been bad. They love and trust you and need your love and attention as well!!! Boy does my spoiled little man get his share.I think he is ready to get in "our" bed now!! NN

1:39PM PDT on Jun 15, 2011

I'm proud to say: My beloved kitties are smarter than me! :D