Animals and Mirrors Flashcards
What is the mirror test formally called?
It is formerly called the Mirror Self-Recognition (MSR) test.
How do scientists determine if animals recognize themselves in the mirror?
They first let the animal see themselves in the mirror, then mark the animal with a colourful paint or sticker. Then, they let the animal use the mirror again and observe their reaction to the marking.
How might an animal react if it doesn’t pass the MSR test?
Such an animal usually reacts aggressively or affectionately.
What reaction tells scientists that an animal does pass the MSR test?
The marked animal will adjust their position to get a better look at the mark, and sometimes try to touch or remove it. They always pay more attention to the part of their body that has been marked.
What reaction tells scientists that an animal does pass the MSR test?
The marked animal will adjust their position to get a better look at the mark, and sometimes try to touch or remove it.
As of now, how many non-human species have passed the MSR test?
9 non-human species have passed the test.
Which mammals have passes the MSR test?
Asian elephants, great apes (including nobos, chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillas), bottlenose dolphins and orca whales.
What did scientists previously assume when most animals passing the test were mammals?
Scientists assumed that self-recognition abilities came from the neocortex, a part of the brain found only in mammals.
What was the first non-mammal species to pass the MSR test?
The Eurasian magpie is the first non-mammal to pass the test.
What is the most recent species to have passed the MSR test in research published in 2015?
Ants were most recently discovered to pass the test.
What species has not yet been subjected to the marked portion of the MSR test, but shows promising results so far?
Manta rays show great interest in their refection, but do not attempt to interact socially with the individual they see in the mirror.
Why might some animals, such as dogs, not pass the MSR test?
They rely on other senses more heavily than vision. For example, dogs might not recognize themselves in the mirror because the image does not have the corresponding scent. Alternatively, some animals might recognize themselves, but simply not care to inspect the mark on themselves.
