A Team of Clever Animals

Animals use intelligence in many ways. Some solve problems on their own; others work together to meet a challenge. An elephant’s trunk is strong and sensitive. An elephant can use it to pick up food, spray water, or touch another elephant. Elephants also communicate with sounds, body movements, and low rumbles. Some of these rumbles travel farther than people can hear. A herd may use calls to keep in touch when its members are spread out. Older elephants can remember places where water and food are often found, which can help the herd during dry times. Meerkats live in groups called mobs in parts of Africa. While some meerkats search for food, another may act as a lookout. The lookout stands where it can watch for danger and gives an alarm call if a predator is near. The others can then hurry to shelter. Lookouts take turns, so one animal does not have to watch all the time. Meerkats also dig burrows with many tunnels and entrances. If danger appears, a nearby entrance can provide a quick escape. Elephants and meerkats are very different in size and habitat, but both use information from their surroundings to make choices. Remembering, communicating, and responding to danger are examples of behaviors that can help animals survive. A behavior is an action an animal performs; an adaptation is a feature or behavior that helps it live in its environment. Animal intelligence does not look the same in every species: it helps each animal solve challenges in its own way.

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