It happens with some species of animals. They let themselves be fooled and may be surprised. This shows their ability to remember the past, foresee the future and therefore be aware. This was said by Cambridge psychologist Nicola Clayton, an expert in animal behavior. Animals can perceive tricks and anticipate events.
«The tests we have carried out, particularly with tricks, demonstrate this. Some species of mammals and birds have consciousness. For example, chimpanzees (…). In addition, experiments indicate the presence of a certain level of consciousness in some mollusks, cephalopods. For example, in cuttlefish,” said Clayton.
Anticipating events
The researcher participates in an international conference in Kathmandu on animal consciousness. She explained why she decided to use the trick test on animals. She wanted to know if they can get carried away by a clever trick, and be surprised to discover an unexpected result for themselves.
«To perceive tricks, to believe in them, it is necessary to have a memory of past experience. Also certain expectations: anticipating the future. Only then, for example, the appearance of sequins in the air will seem unexpected and cause surprise,” explained Clayton.
At the same time, the expectations of an animal depend on the structure of its body. For example, from the presence of pronounced thumbs in chimpanzees, similar to the fingers of a magician. This makes it easier for animals to make analogies, remember and build expectations and illusions.
The British researcher also described the results of other experiments with birds and cuttlefish. «Birds are capable of choosing which food is suitable for them and which is not. They are able to remember which food deteriorates quickly and which remains fresh for a long time. “Both birds and cuttlefish are able to remember when what food appears and plan for the future.” It is known that cuttlefish are able to remember the predators that attacked them in childhood. And as an adult, she deliberately hunts that species, as if to take revenge.
Not the birds
Not everyone successfully passed the proposed tests of consciousness, in particular, with tricks. “The pigeons failed,” Clayton added. He hasn’t tested the insects yet, so he can’t say if they have consciousness. Animals can sense tricks and be surprised when what happens is not what they expected. As a human being, he marvels at seeing an act of magic. It’s just another thing that unites us with animals.
