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- Title
Siamangs (Hylobates syndactylus) Recognize their Mirror Image.
- Authors
Heschl, Adolf; Fuchsbichler, Conny
- Abstract
The ability to recognize oneself in the mirror is assumed to represent an important step towards a higher level of animal intelligence that, ultimately, can lead to human-like self-awareness and empathy. Even though rarely successful in the classical mark test, the siamang's spontaneous behavior in front of the mirror, a visually controlled manipulation of its face, suggests that it interprets the reflection as belonging to itself. As a consequence, the cognitive status of the gibbons may need a serious reevaluation since, in total, at least three species (Hylobates syndactylus, H. gabriellae, H. leucogenys) seem to be capable of self-recognition. Their, nonetheless, weak interest in the mirror image is hypothesized to be caused by the comparatively low level of sexual competition in the lesser apes.
- Subjects
SIAMANG; ANIMAL psychology; ANIMAL intelligence; LEARNING in animals; ANIMAL behavior; MIRROR images
- Publication
International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 2009, Vol 22, Issue 4, p221
- ISSN
0889-3667
- Publication type
Article