Learning Abilities: The intelligence of mammals varies from species to species, with some having a greater capacity for learning than others. Monkeys and apes are among the most intelligent mammals; the chimpanzee’s intelligence is believed to be the most similar to man’s. Other mammals, such as rabbits, are of low intelligence and survive mainly by instinct. Still, instinct is just as important as intelligence. In the case of rabbits, instinct ensures their survival as a species. Though they are a favorite food of many predators, they flourish because of their rapid breeding rate.

Learning to Hunt: Mammals have to make quick decisions. A predator has to learn how to catch its prey or it will starve. Wild cats and dogs learn how to hunt from their parents. A mother cat brings live prey home so that the young can learn how to kill. Later, they follow their mother on hunting trips and hunt and kill for themselves. Many dogs hunt in packs, and it is important that skills are well learned, since a mistake could cost the entire pack a meal.

Learning the Language: Many mammals “talk” to each other. Among the most vocal are the primates and marine mammals such as dolphins and whales. Whales and dolphins that live in groups have a vocabulary that they use to identify themselves as well as approaching predators and the location of food. A young whale stays close to its mother for over a year and learns to communicate with her and the rest of the group. Each species communicates using its own dialect.

Socialization: Mammals that live in groups or have more than one young at a time must learn social skills from the others. Young mammals often play at fighting. This prepares them for adulthood and teaches them their place in the group. Meerkats, for example, live in complex groups, depending on teamwork for survival. Older meerkats show the young how to catch scorpions, watch the young, keep guard, and bring back food to newborn meerkats.

The Intelligence of Primates: Of all the primates, the chimpanzee resembles man the most. It is one of the few mammals to use tools. A young chimp learns by watching its mother. It is soon able to use a twig to dig for insects. Following its mother’s example, the chimp breaks off leaves and buds to make the twig easier to use. Primates live in groups with a social hierarchy and communicate with each other by using body language as well as vocalization. They communicate emotion through facial expressions. For example, a grimace is a sign of anger.

From birth, young primates cling to their mother’s fur, and from this position they learn how others in the group behave. Monkeys, like humans, must learn how to walk. A female rhesus monkey teaches her baby to walk by sitting down and walking away from it. If the baby does not move to follow her, she prods it into action before gathering it into her arms. She repeats the lesson until the baby can walk.

Animal Training: Many experiments have been performed to determine the intelligence of animals. Squirrels are able to complete difficult obstacle courses in order to reach food. Primates are capable of learning human language and can be trained to help disabled people in their homes. Almost all animals have the same needs for essential food and shelter. The promise of these can motivate an animal to learn new skills.
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