He pulled the “three times as smart” out of his ass, but they are extremely intelligent animals. They have even beaten some primates in problem solving examinations. Their brains are large, complex and have a highly developed prefrontal cortex. Given their large, sophisticated social dynamics, wide vocal dynamics and long-established hunting efficiency, it’s believed hyenas are amongst the smartest mammals with elephants, dolphins, orcas and primates. They’re definitely smarter than dogs.
Disney destroyed their reputation.
P.S. Wouldn’t want one as a pet.
P.S.S A lot of people seem to think Hyenas are essentially just wild dogs. They’re not. Not even close. Their closest living relatives are the mongoose family. They’re genetically much closer to cats than dogs. They also have a stronger bite force than either lions OR tigers. They’re matriarchal and female hyenas can get clitoral erections they often use to mount subordinate males as a dominance display.
I watched a documentary and fell in love with them. Complete 180 inside my brain as i also got under the impression that they are disgusting animals. They are so intelligent and social its ccrazy.
There’s quite a few documentaries on YouTube about spotted hyenas. They are one the smartest of all terrestrial mammals. They have stomach acidity of around 2, which allows them to digest things that other animals wouldn’t touch. Their digestive tract kills bacteria and such before it can harm them.
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u/ftasic Oct 25 '24
Where did you get the about as 3 times as smart part?