The results of conducted research on the capabilities of their intellect have more than once surprised even the most experienced scientist! Get ready: many representatives of our list may leave you in shock.

The level of an animal's intelligence is determined by its capacity for self-awareness, decision-making, and the ability to understand our language. Primates – are not the only ones capable of this. Other classes of animals have also proven their ability to keep pace with humans.

For example, scientists have found that all vertebrates display intelligence to varying degrees. Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish survive in their habitats thanks to their inherent intelligence. Even invertebrate mollusks have surprised scientists with how they adapt to various situations.

Here is a list of 20 animals with astonishing abilities.

  1. Octopus

The octopus, along with squids and cuttlefish, became famous for its intelligence. In the documentary film « Blue Planet II» in one of the scenes an octopus successfully escapes from an attack by a shark. To protect itself, it hid where the predator could not reach, and as soon as the opportunity arose, it fled to a safe place. How did the octopus learn about the shark's vulnerability? Thanks to its keen powers of observation, which are confirmed by all sorts of experiments.

  1. Elephant 

Smarter Than People: The 10 Most Intelligent Animals on the Planet
Photo: Pixabay

Here we are unlikely to surprise anyone – one of the largest creatures alive today is also one of the smartest. Over the years elephants have learned to adapt to human customs and even to display feelings. They are able to show their love or hatred depending on how they are treated. For example, if a trainer shows a good attitude, the animals can be affectionate and obedient. And conversely, wild and unpredictable if they are caused pain.

  1. Sea Otter

Do you consider sea otters cute animals? Do not let their adorable appearance deceive you! In reality, sea otters have a reputation as serial killers who can attack even their own kind. For example, males do not hesitate to kill females for food, and they also become aggressive when the mating season comes. Some scientists consider sea otters pioneers among animals for displaying such astonishing «capabilities» for cruelty.

  1. Great White Shark

Smarter Than People: The 10 Most Intelligent Animals on the Planet
Photo: Pixabay

The list of the smartest animals would not be complete without this ocean predator. If you have seen «Jaws» and were traumatized by the image of great white sharks, you should know that they do not simply go for the kill, as shown in the film. Instead, the animals patiently study the behavior of their prey. They observe the way of life of their target before devising an effective strategy. Wild chases are also not for great white sharks, since they prefer to lure their prey, and afterward – to savor their victory.

  1. Dolphins

These sea creatures use ultrasound to flee from ocean predators or to distract them. They also use their skills to figure out whether humans are dangerous to them. If they let you move around their space, this is your chance to play and swim with them! However, be careful: these sea animals seem harmless, but their neighbors in the marine environment fear them. Surprised? It turns out that dolphins can intimidate other animals, for example porpoises, and that without good reason. Just for fun.

  1. African Grey Parrot

Smarter Than People: The 10 Most Intelligent Animals on the Planet
Photo: Pixabay

Parrots fill us with awe because of their ability to imitate humans. The African grey parrot is distinguished by its skill not merely in imitating a human, but in building conscious communication with them, in carrying on a conversation. They can also easily beat toddlers at the «Piaget tasks.» The test includes tasks on the law of conservation, which the feathered creatures perform in no time!

  1. Sea Lions

Like dolphins, sea lions entertain audiences at water parks with their merry performances. They have learned to follow their trainer's instructions in the hope of receiving a treat. This single act demonstrates the impressive observational abilities of sea lions. They also demonstrate their own theory of mind. The animals can communicate with each other with the help of gestures, or more precisely, by moving their whiskers – vibrissae.

  1. Gorillas

Smarter Than People: The 10 Most Intelligent Animals on the Planet
Photo: Pixabay

Among all the great apes, gorillas surpass most people in various tests. In particular, they stand out for mastering skills in a shorter time. Thus, the famous gorilla Koko gained the recognition of scientists for mastering sign language. Thanks to his achievements, experts were able to study in greater detail the possibility of communication  without verbal speech.

Another interesting story occurred at the Cincinnati Zoo. One day, an unsupervised child fell into the enclosure of the gorilla Harambe. Witnesses to the event were surprised that the animal looked after the child until he was helped to get out.

  1. Chimpanzees

Animals capable of using tools will easily earn a place on various lists of the «smartest animals.» However, chimpanzees quickly outwitted the others in that they can not only apply tools in practice, but also know how to make their own tools. For example, chimpanzees apply this skill to hunt mammals. The animals sharpen sticks and use them as weapons.

  1.  Crow

Smarter Than People: The 10 Most Intelligent Animals on the Planet
Photo: Pixabay

Crows continue to delight experts with their cleverness. Various studies show that they outwitted some representatives of the smartest animals using their impressive problem-solving skills. Because of this, experts believe that the cognitive abilities of crows can be compared to those possessed by a 7-year-old child.

The list of the smartest animals on the planet is continued by pigs, dogs, spiders, raccoons, pigeons, mice, chickens, while the top 20 is rounded out by bees, squirrels, and cats.