Study: Monkeys Can Learn to See Selves in Mirror
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kailash soni/iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — A new study indicates that monkeys may be able to learn to recognize themselves in the mirror.
Mirror self-recognition is a hallmark of higher intelligence, researchers say, and has previously been seen in both humans and great apes. New research from a small study in China, published in the journal Current Biology, indicates that rhesus monkeys may also be able to learn to use mirrors to see themselves.
Researchers say that following two to five weeks of training, during which a laser was shined on the monkey’s face while it looked into a mirror, the subjects were able to touch their own face in the areas lit by the laser.
Seven monkeys were studied, and all seven were able to demonstrate self-recognition during the training phase. Researchers noted that one year after training, only five of seven continued to self-recognize.
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