The question is: “Who are we?” has long plagued the minds of scientists. But how can we fairly evaluate the intelligence of different species? The encephalization index is currently the only, albeit imperfect, method of estimation.

The encephalization factor (encephalization index; EQ) is a measure of the relative size of the brain, defined as the ratio of actual brain mass to the estimated average brain mass for a mammal of this size.

To make the balance of power clearer, we will take the Smart Man, whose EQ is 8.07, as a guide.

Among terrestrial mammals, of course, lead primates:

The highest EQ coefficient in the white-headed Capuchin – 4.8, the ordinary Capuchin scored 3.4. However, chimpanzees and gorillas have indexes of 2.3 and 1.8, respectively.

Interesting facts:

• Most monkeys have the ability to think abstractly, as well as the ability to combine familiar words to form new concepts.
• The language apparatus of primates is not developed, but they can use hundreds of words with the help of sign language.
• A distinctive feature of chimpanzees is the presence of a sense of humor.

Among other mammals, the common fox with EQ-1.89 is the leader.
Dogs have an EQ index of only 1.2.

It cannot be ruled out that the next round of evolution will take place in the ocean. In addition, there are all the prerequisites – cetaceans in the EQ coefficient even bypassed the primates: in the first place – the bottlenose dolphin – 5.3.

Interesting facts:

• Dolphins have their own language. True, it has not yet been possible to decipher it, but it is clear that they often give each other unique names.
• Dolphins can recognize themselves in a mirror.
• When training in the dolphinarium, they associate their fins with the arms and legs of the trainers, which helps synchronize the movements.
• Dolphins also use psychoactive substances. What fugu fish are they? Considering that some evolutionists believe that man’s rapid development was triggered by magic mushrooms, this fact is important.

Birds are the most underestimated in terms of intelligence. Namely, crows and parrots. The fact is that it is fundamentally wrong to evaluate the bird’s brain from the usual positions, since their brains are significantly different in structure from mammals. For example, birds do not have a new six-layered shell in their brain. Birds’ brains are very compact, but the size more than makes up for the high density of neurons.

By comparing different bird species, scientists have found that the high level of development of their cognitive abilities is due to the high level of organization of their brains.

EQ is calculated only for mammals, but the development of intelligence crows is believed to be close to primates:

Interesting facts:

• Crows and parrots can create and use abstract concepts such as number, similarity/difference of objects. They also have a self-concept, that is, they recognize themselves in the mirror.
• Many birds can use tools such as sticks or grass to remove larvae and scratch themselves in hard-to-reach places. They can also turn tools into tasks.
• And, of course, because of their language ability as potential interlocutors – out of competition.

Alternatively, the development of a collective mind can be thought of as – for example – highly organized societies of termites, ants or rats. But this is the subject of a separate article. Therefore, evolution has prepared enough candidates for our place. As they say – “the holy place is never empty.”