Birds mirror our talent for self-reflection
Published Date:
19 August 2008
MAGPIES can recognise themselves in a mirror, scientists have shown.
It is the first time evidence of self-recognition has been seen in a non-mammal.
Until relatively recently, humans were believed to be uniquely self-aware. Now scientists know most chimpanzees and orang-utans can recognise their reflections, and dolphins and elephants may share the ability.
Dr Helmut Prior, from the Goethe University in Frankfurt, led the study. He said:
"This is a remarkable capability that is at least a pre-requisite of self-recognition."
The full article contains 93 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
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Last Updated:
18 August 2008 8:53 PM
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Source:
The Scotsman
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Location:
Edinburgh
