Josefine Bagger Sommerlund
7 astonishing examples of social intelligence in the animal kingdom – from dolphins with names to monkeys that lie.
Beneath animals’ seemingly simple behavior lies complex social structures, emotional responses, and strategic thinking.
Dolphins Use Names
- Dolphins communicate using unique whistle sounds
- These function as “names” among individuals
- Actively used to identify and call each other
Crows Recognize and Remember People
- Crows recognize human faces—even years later
- They can hold grudges and warn other crows
- Form alliances based on shared experiences
Elephants Show Grief
- When a herd member dies, elephants react emotionally
- They examine the body and return to the site
- Signs of empathy and deep social awareness
Wolves Are Teamwork Experts
- Wolves show stronger cooperation than dogs
- They coordinate effectively when hunting
- Their survival depends on teamwork in the wild
Pigs Understand Intentions
- Pigs can interpret others’ behavior and intentions
- They avoid conflict and make strategic choices
- Show signs of “theory of mind”
Whales Have Social Dialects
- Orcas and other whales use unique sound patterns
- Dialects vary between groups
- Support group identity and social bonding
Monkeys Lie and Manipulate
- Some primates use deliberate deception
- For example, they hide food to use it later
- Indicates high cognitive and social ability
