PhunkyDickyDew
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Fish Are Smarter Than We Think - 2004/01/13 22:38
Fish Are Smarter Than We Think
The Sydney Morning Herald
8-31-03
(PA) -- Fish do not deserve their reputation as the dim-wits of the animal kingdom, a group of British scientists says.
Far from being instinct-driven dunces, held back by a three-second memory, fish were cunning, manipulative, cultured and socially aware.
In some respects of their intelligence, they could even be favourably compared with non-human primates, it was claimed.
..
"Now, fish are regarded as steeped in social intelligence, pursuing
Machiavellian strategies of manipulation, punishment and reconciliation, exhibiting stable cultural traditions, and co-operating to inspect predators and catch food."
Recent research had shown that fish not only recognised individual
"shoal mates" but monitored the social prestige of others, and tracked relationships.
They had also been observed using tools, building complex nests and bowers, and exhibiting impressive long-term memories.
The scientists added: "Although it may seem extraordinary to those comfortably used to pre-judging animal intelligence on the basis of brain volume, in some cognitive domains, fishes can even be favourably compared to non-human primates." .. ..
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