Why is self recognition in front of mirrors is an indicator of intelligence in animals?
In: Biology
It takes about 2 years for us, humans, to understand that what we see in a mirror is a reflection of ourselves (and thus, being self aware). That’s why babies don’t understand very well what they see in a mirror.
[This article from National Geographic](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/150214-animals-behavior-mirrors-dolphins-dogs-self-awareness-science) (which I recommend!) explains it better. But, long story short, for an animal to recognize that what it sees in a mirror is itself, it requires some pretty rad brain functions – functions that we slowly acquire in, more or less, two years.
On the other hand, those who apparently can’t see themselves on the mirror generally think that what they see reflected is another of their own species, so that’s also pretty interesting!
Latest Answers