SCIENTISTS who study animal intelligence walk a fine line: they must resist the temptation to anthropomorphise animals while analysing behaviour through the lens of common descent. In this coffee table compendium, primatologist mostly hits the mark. She rightly focuses on the impressive abilities of our primate cousins, from their cultural transmission of tool use to their ability to count. We also learn how bees broadcast the locations of flowers through choreographed dance and how vampire bats share their blood meals even with non-relatives. While Boysen leans towards generous interpretations of animal intelligence, such as the ability of some species to recognise their reflection in a mirror, she is quick to point out negative or contentious findings.
The Smartest Animals on the Planet
Firefly Books/A&C Black
