Science often measures intelligence in animals by the size of their brains (in comparison to their body). A bigger brain means that it is more likely that it will develop the space for smarter problem-solving skills.

However, a new study says that this may not always be the case.

A team of 22 scientists studied the brain mass of 1400 living and extinct mammals. They also noted how brain and body size evolved in these mammals over the last 150 million years. Mammals are animals that give birth to babies and feed their young on milk from their own bodies.

They found that while many mammals do have bigger brains, proportionate to their bigger sizes,  it is not the same for all. Let’s look at some cases where the brain size is not related to intelligence in animals.

An example is the California sea lion. This animal is huge in size. It can grow about 2 metres in length and weigh about 100 kg. But, its brain size is about the same as that of a chimpanzee (which are much smaller animals). Of course, this doesn’t mean the sea lion is stupid. They are known to be able to learn new things easily.

Another example is the polar bear. Its brain is twice as big as a sea lion.  But this doesn’t mean that the polar bear is twice as smart as a sea lion.

So, the finding shows that brain size is not a proper indicator of intelligence. The scientists found that brain size also changed as per the needs of the animal and its environment.

Curious Times is a leading newspaper and website for kids. We publish daily global news aligned to your learning levels (also as per NEP 2020): Foundational, Preparatory (Primary), Middle and Senior. So, check out the News tab for this. We bring kids’ favourite Curious Times Weekly newspaper every weekend with top news, feature stories and kids’ contributions. Also, check out daily JokesPoke, Tongue Twisters, Word of the Day and Quote of the Day, kids need it all the time.

Curious Times News Program for Schools for FREE. Over 5,000 schools and teachers from all over the world have joined our programme so that students and teachers can get FREE Educative Newspaper. Here, kids can take part in world events and win prizes and certificates for free through their schools.

Moreover, schools are sharing important School News, like interviews with the principal, notices about new students, contests, and results, not just on social media but also on a news website for kids and other schools.

Thus, do not wait any further, sign-up for your school for FREE. 

The following social media platforms allow you to communicate with us: WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

  0  (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)

To post your comment Login/Signup