2023-11-13 12:07:35
Even if we are the only species to scrutinize our reflection in the mirror every day, we are not the only ones to recognize ourselves in reflective surfaces. Yet you may have seen your dog barking at itself when it sees its reflection in a shop window on the street or your cat jumping in fear in front of the wardrobe mirror. Research into animals’ ability to recognize themselves in mirrors began in 1970, and since then only a few species have passed the test.
Who recognizes himself
Scientists have tested mirror recognition in a wide range of species, starting with chimpanzees. Animals ranging from ants to manta rays to African gray parrots have been carefully examined for signs of self-awareness when presented in front of a mirror. But only a small handful realize they are watching themselves, while other tests have shown inconclusive behavior.
Who uses it to his advantage
The problem with being sure that they recognize themselves is that the recognition signals must be spontaneous, without any training or reward. And it takes a fairly sophisticated brain to display this awareness. This is why the great apes passed the test and demonstrated that they knew how to use the mirror to their advantage, to look at or remove something from their body. Another land mammal to convincingly pass the test was an Asian elephant from the Bronx Zoo. Studies on dolphins suggest that they too can discern their own reflections. But dogs and cats?
Little awareness
The tests carried out so far suggest that some dogs and cats show learned behavior, that is, they have understood from us that the mirror is not an enemy and that what they see, as they see it, is not a danger. But this is not reliable evidence of self-awareness. In any case it is believed that some actually recognize themselves, others who have learned the absence of danger look at the reflection also trying to interact with their own image, while still others fear that reflection and run away.
Scarier cats
In particular, cats seem to be the ones with the least affinity towards their reflected image. It must also be said that cats do not have good eyesight: even if they see 6 to 8 times better than us at night, unfortunately due to the tapetum lucidum which makes them see well in the dark they sacrifice a certain visual acuity in favor of their ability to see in dim light. That’s because all that light bouncing around can make what they see decidedly blurry. To see themselves well in the mirror they must be very close, but their dualism as prey-hunters will keep them well away from danger.
More interactive dogs
Dogs seem to be more aware of their reflection, especially when they stand next to us and see us reflected back. Most dogs that show pseudo awareness, however, will lick the mirror. If this action is an occasion, there is no problem (apart from having to clean), just like barking. If, however, you notice that facing the mirror becomes uncomfortable, and your dog begins to overreact, become agitated or flees, it may be useful to consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to examine the situation in more depth.
#dog #cat #recognize #mirror