Friday, April 10, 2015

Dolphins and Self-Awareness

I found this video on YouTube of dolphins reacting to themselves in a mirror (link provided below). There has been several experiments done to prove dolphins, like humans and other primates, as well as elephants, are self-aware. That means that when they look in a mirror they are able to recognize themselves. In one experiment conducted in 2001 by Diana Reiss, scientists put a mark on a dolphin and when the dolphin went under water it was seen examining itself in a mirror. A similar study was done with an elephant at the Bronx Zoo. Researchers put a white mark on the elephant's face and afterward the elephant was seen constantly turning in front of the large mirror to examine the mark. This video shows that animals cognitive abilities shouldn't be undermined. I highly enjoyed this video and invite you to watch it as well!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn6kJJfNLVA

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