Animals solve problems in ways that fascinate us. Describe the research that has led some researchers to conclude that animals can think, including in your essay information regarding:

Question

• The chimpanzees studied by Wolfgang Kohler;
• Kanzi, the bonobo who uses a computer keyboard;
• Alex, the African gray parrot who vocalized English words.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: A good answer will include the following key points.
• Kohler tested chimpanzees by placing bananas in sight but out of reach.
• Some chimps demonstrated sudden insight and were able to solve the problem.
• Kanzi, a bonobo, learned to understand English words, short sentences, and keyboard symbols without formal training, simply by observing others use language.
• Kanzi responded correctly to commands even when he had never heard the specific combination of words before.
• Kanzi also learned to use a computer keyboard and produce symbols requesting favorite foods or activities and announcing his intentions.
• Alex, the gray parrot, learned to count, classify, and compare objects by vocalizing English words.
• He showed evidence of linguistic and cognitive ability.
• Alex also made requests and answered simple questions about objects.