[Animals] Some animals can understand and use mathematics

[#Wittels-]

They are able to distinguish simple numerical concepts and in the most evolved cases even interpret the notion of zero

The mathematical abilities of primates seem to be located in the parietal zone of the neocortex, the most recent layer of the brain in our evolutionary history (EFE)
Many animals express the notion of understanding the differences of quantities, in the mathematical sense, and even more so the concept of zero, the absolute lack of something.

Primates undoubtedly top the list of animals that have this quality, but they are not alone on this list.

 

Another of the animals that stand out in this regard are the crows, one of the most intelligent and daring birds that exist and that have a certain mathematical capacity.

Corvids are not only capable of distinguishing between different quantities and understanding suitable ones are greater than others, but they can also understand complex concepts such as addition.

A recent research work confirmed that in crows there were certain neurons associated with the different positive values of simple numbers such as one, two or three, and that there was also a specific signal for the empty set: zero.

Crows can recognize number concepts and the value of zero (Getty)
Primates, including chimpanzees, are also capable of distinguishing the concept of zero. This ability appears to be located in the parietal zone of the neocortex, the most recent layer of the brain in our evolutionary history.

What is striking is that birds do not have this of the cerebral cortex, which indicates that this ability to recognize zero has arisen independently in different animal groups, although obtaining a similar result.

We call this phenomenon evolutionary convergence. This characteristic has indeed arisen multiple times in the history of life, in very different animals, not only in birds and mammals.

According to scientific studies, octopuses can distinguish the idea of zero
Bees and some species of ants also have the ability to understand the concept of zero.

Outside of insects, cuttlefish and octopuses also seem to recognize the value of zero. These fascinating animals are highly intelligent and have even shown the ability to foresee and plan for the future.

It would not be strange that, over time, these types of capacities are investigated in more animals and surprising new cases emerge.

 

Link: https://www.infobae.com/america/perrosygatos/2022/02/17/algunos-animales-pueden-comprender-y-usar-las-matematicas/