Pig The pig (''Sus domesticus''), also called swine (: swine) or hog, is an omnivorous, domesticated, even-toed, hoofed mammal. It is named the domestic pig when distinguishing it from other members of the genus '' Sus''. Some authorities cons ...

s are among the most intelligent

mammal A mammal () is a vertebrate animal of the Class (biology), class Mammalia (). Mammals are characterised by the presence of milk-producing mammary glands for feeding their young, a broad neocortex region of the brain, fur or hair, and three ...

s on the planet; as such, they display a wide range of complex behaviors, like being able to play

video games A video game or computer game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface or input device (such as a joystick, game controller, controller, computer keyboard, keyboard, or motion sensing device) to generate visual fe ...

, understanding human instructions and even using tools. Pigs in the Altai Mountains

Communication

Similar to other highly intelligent mammals, pigs demonstrate an understanding of symbolic language. In one study, pigs showed they could grasp gestures and verbal symbols representing both objects (frisbee, ball, and dumbbell) and actions (sit, fetch, and jump). They learned more than objects and verbs: They also understood phrases, such as "fetch the frisbee," and successfully performed requested tasks apparently as well as dolphins do. In the Middle Ages pigs were often held in communal corrals. Each pig owner had a horn tuned to a different pitch so that pigs were able to identify the call of the owner and come back. Pigs can figure where human attention is focused and much like dogs, pass the human pointing test. The pointing test is notoriously difficult as even great apes struggle, with dogs outperforming great apes.

Emotional intelligence

Studies show pigs feel emotional states from other pigs, a phenomenon called

emotional contagion Emotional contagion is a form of social contagion that involves the spontaneous spread of emotions and related behaviors. Such emotional convergence can happen from one person to another, or in a larger group. Emotions can be shared across indivi ...

. In response to negative feelings in other pigs, they're able to provide social support. Like dogs, pigs seek comfort from pet owners when stressed. Lulu, a pet potbellied pig, was motivated to seek help when her owner suffered a heart attack. The pig got outside the house and occupied the road, then went back to the house, repeating this behavior until a car stopped and Lulu led the driver to her owner, who was finally saved.

Personality

A study discovered that piglets exhibit unique traits in at least three areas: aggression, sociability, and exploration; similar to the human personality dimensions of

agreeableness Agreeableness is the trait theory, personality trait of being kind, Sympathy, sympathetic, cooperative, warm, honest, straightforward, and considerate. In personality psychology, agreeableness is one of the Big Five personality traits, five major ...

extraversion Extraversion and introversion are a central trait dimension in human personality theory. The terms were introduced into psychology by Carl Jung, though both the popular understanding and current psychological usage are not the same as Jung's ...

, and

openness Openness is an overarching concept that is characterized by an emphasis on transparency and collaboration. That is, openness refers to "accessibility of knowledge, technology and other resources; the transparency of action; the permeability of or ...

. Most farmers recognize in pigs traits such as intelligence, stubbornness, friendliness and gluttony.

Problem solving

Both chimpanzees and pigs are capable of understanding that a joystick can be used to direct a pointer in a screen. According to one study, pigs outperformed dogs at directing the pointer towards a target. Pigs can use their problem solving skills to free other pigs from cage traps.

Self-awareness

The mirror test is one way to observe self-aware behaviors in animals. When pigs are presented a mirror, they do repetitive movements, a behavior called contingency checking. Moreover, they're able to locate food using the mirror.

Social intelligence

Pigs can remember which humans and pigs they like and act accordingly. They differentiate humans, even people dressed alike, by recognizing human faces, and can also tell apart humans by their olfaction and hearing. Pigs have shown to fear stranger humans but lose the fear after the person played with the pigs with toys.

Spatial memory

Pigs can remember and selectively return to areas with more food, showing they have spatial memory and understanding of quantities.

Time perception

In a study, pigs were given a choice between two crates, each linked to a different duration of confinement. The pigs consistently favored the crate associated with the shorter confinement, indicating that they could use their previous experience on time perception to predict future outcomes.

Theory of mind

Pigs can use their knowledge of other pig perspectives to their own advantage and even to influence others' behavior. In one study, pigs used their theory of mind skills to mislead other pigs away from food rewards. Like corvids and primates, pigs are capable of tactical deception. Pigs can figure where humans are looking and pointing.

Tool use

An endangered pig species, '' Sus cebifrons,'' has been observed to use different tools to dig and to use hard surfaces to break sticks.{{Cite journal , last1=Root-Bernstein , first1=Meredith , last2=Narayan , first2=Trupthi , last3=Cornier , first3=Lucile , last4=Bourgeois , first4=Aude , date=2019-09-01 , title=Context-specific tool use by Sus cebifrons , url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1616504719300333 , journal=Mammalian Biology , volume=98 , pages=102–110 , doi=10.1016/j.mambio.2019.08.003 , issn=1616-5047, url-access=subscription

References

Animal intelligence

Intelligence Intelligence has been defined in many ways: the capacity for abstraction, logic, understanding, self-awareness, learning, emotional knowledge, reasoning, planning, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It can be described as t ...