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What do animals think of their reflection?
Information
Video published by Jason Martin
This video offers a cute little sequence of a kitten discovering the concept of reflection. It does not seem to understand that it is alone, which is pretty funny.
For several decades, psychologists have defined the level of self-awareness using the mirror test.
The test consists in making sure that the reflection is understood as oneself. For example, a mark is placed where only the mirror can reveal it, then researchers check whether the marked person or animal notices it and tries to remove or touch it.
Humans only pass this test after about 18 months or 2 years; before that age, they do not seem to understand the reflection.
To date, the animals that truly interpret their reflection in a mirror are said to be:
- Primate
- Dolphin
- Orca
- Elephant
- Magpie
- Crow
- Pigeons
- Parrot
I suppose there are others that have not yet been tested.
Most other animals try to attack or seduce their reflection until they understand that it has no smell and becomes uninteresting. Paradoxically, some animals that do not pass this test can identify objects or food in the reflection and then actually move toward them.
Personally, I do not know whether my cats understand that the reflection is theirs, but they often look at me through the bathroom mirror to communicate with their eyes. However, they show absolutely no interest in their own reflection.
What do animals think of their reflection?
Information
Video published by Jason Martin
This video offers a cute little sequence of a kitten discovering the concept of reflection. It does not seem to understand that it is alone, which is pretty funny.
For several decades, psychologists have defined the level of self-awareness using the mirror test.
The test consists in making sure that the reflection is understood as oneself. For example, a mark is placed where only the mirror can reveal it, then researchers check whether the marked person or animal notices it and tries to remove or touch it.
Humans only pass this test after about 18 months or 2 years; before that age, they do not seem to understand the reflection.
To date, the animals that truly interpret their reflection in a mirror are said to be:
- Primate
- Dolphin
- Orca
- Elephant
- Magpie
- Crow
- Pigeons
- Parrot
I suppose there are others that have not yet been tested.
Most other animals try to attack or seduce their reflection until they understand that it has no smell and becomes uninteresting. Paradoxically, some animals that do not pass this test can identify objects or food in the reflection and then actually move toward them.
Personally, I do not know whether my cats understand that the reflection is theirs, but they often look at me through the bathroom mirror to communicate with their eyes. However, they show absolutely no interest in their own reflection.
What do animals think of their reflection?
Information
Video published by Jason Martin
This video offers a cute little sequence of a kitten discovering the concept of reflection. It does not seem to understand that it is alone, which is pretty funny.
For several decades, psychologists have defined the level of self-awareness using the mirror test.
The test consists in making sure that the reflection is understood as oneself. For example, a mark is placed where only the mirror can reveal it, then researchers check whether the marked person or animal notices it and tries to remove or touch it.
Humans only pass this test after about 18 months or 2 years; before that age, they do not seem to understand the reflection.
To date, the animals that truly interpret their reflection in a mirror are said to be:
- Primate
- Dolphin
- Orca
- Elephant
- Magpie
- Crow
- Pigeons
- Parrot
I suppose there are others that have not yet been tested.
Most other animals try to attack or seduce their reflection until they understand that it has no smell and becomes uninteresting. Paradoxically, some animals that do not pass this test can identify objects or food in the reflection and then actually move toward them.
Personally, I do not know whether my cats understand that the reflection is theirs, but they often look at me through the bathroom mirror to communicate with their eyes. However, they show absolutely no interest in their own reflection.
