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Horton really does hear a Who

by Kurt
8 replies
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Wild elephants can distinguish between human languages, and they can tell whether a voice comes from a man, woman or boy, a new study says.

That's what researchers found when they played recordings of people for elephants in Kenya. Scientists say this is an advanced thinking skill that other animals haven't shown. It lets elephants figure out who is a threat and who isn't.
...and, it gets more interesting:

Elephants prove discerning listeners of us humans - The Denver Post
  • Profile picture of the author David Braybrooke
    Incredible! Great share - what stunning creatures.
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    "The scientific theory I like best is that the rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage." - Mark Russell
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  • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
    I believe that intelligence is a mirror of nature and takes many forms. Human arrogance that denies it has always been assumption-based rather than fact-based. I've sure seen in on display with crows that react to my son like they know he's a child.
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    Project HERE.

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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      Since I was a child I've believed some time in the future WE will be viewed a ignorant and backward because of our treatment of other species on the planet.

      Whales, dolphins, elephants and many other species openly exhibit the ability to communicate with each other; many species have close family units and clans or groups that last a lifetime.

      If we learned to understand and interact with other species rather than subjugate them - our lives would be much better for it.
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  • Profile picture of the author alistair
    I don't want to put a dampener on things, but surely that's the whole purpose of having ears?

    They way I see it is if animals only had ears to just hear sound without the ability to distinguish and interpret different sounds then what's the point of having ears in the first place? It's not like they need them to keep their glasses on or anything. Or maybe I'm just showing my ignorance on the topic.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    All life forms can communicate. Survival depends on communication. What we are finding out now is that our emotions and intellect aren't as all fired special as we wanted to think it was. I can't figure out to this day how people can deny that animals have the capability of communication, emotion - and empathy. It's like scientists have never been off the sidewalk before, or even owned a dog or hamster or any creature.
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    Sal
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    Want something that will really make you think and appreciate the mysteries of the universe without having to believe in devining rods?

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    • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
      Yep, when animals go by instinct only, then humans can continue as the are.

      But there are times when animals, think rationally, then they are thinking at our level.

      I have seen it happen with a German Shepard, my Mother owned, most of the time, usual animals behavior, but there were times, when she could almost out think me!


      When we understand that thought is partially energy based, then animals can think at our level, but most of the time they don't!

      We can't have apes taking over! :rolleyes:


      Shane
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    • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
      Yep, when animals go by instinct only, then humans can continue as the are.

      But there are times when animals, think rationally, then they are thinking at our level.

      I have seen it happen with a German Shepard, my Mother owned, most of the time, usual animals behavior, but there were times, when she could almost out think me!


      When we understand that thought is partially energy based, then animals can think at our level, but most of the time they don't!

      We can't have apes taking over!


      Shane
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      Archimedes Forum, Sign up l won't bite
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