Mirror self-recognition in the bottlenose dolphin: A case of cognitive convergence
Abstract
The ability to recognize oneself in a mirror is an exceedingly rare capacity in the animal kingdom. To date, only humans and great apes have shown convincing evidence of mirror self-recognition. Two dolphins were exposed to reflective surfaces, and both demonstrated responses consistent with the use of the mirror to investigate marked parts of the body. This ability to use a mirror to inspect parts of the body is a striking example of evolutionary convergence with great apes and humans.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- May 2001
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.101086398
- Bibcode:
- 2001PNAS...98.5937R
- Keywords:
-
- Psychology-BS