Category: Animals > Tool-use
While tool use is often considered a hallmark of human intelligence, several animals have demonstrated remarkable abilities to use tools in their daily lives. For example, New Caledonian crows have been observed fashioning sticks into hooks to extract insects from tree bark, showcasing not only their dexterity but also their capacity for problem-solving and foresight. Similarly, octopuses have been seen using coconut shells and seashells as protective shelters or even as weapons against predators. This behavior highlights an advanced level of cognitive functioning, as these creatures must understand the properties of objects in their environment and manipulate them to achieve their goals, blurring the lines between human and animal intelligence.