Self-recognition and self-awareness in lowland gorillas.

摘要: Self-recognition in mirrors is considered an indicator of self-awareness, a capacity once assumed to be present only human beings. Gordon Gallup's initial studies using the face-marking test, and work they stimulated, have clearly demonstrated mirror self-recognition (MSR) three species: humans, chimpanzees, orangutans (Anderson, 1983; Gallup, 1970; Platt & Thompson, 1985; Suarez 1981). Nevertheless field laboratory tests, including simple discrimination learning, learning set, discrimination-reversal training, oddity concept formation, that cognitive abilities all genera great apes are closely comparable. Gorillas were ranked slightly above chimpanzees with respect intelligence as measured by transfer index, refined measurement learning-set ability which species individual differences motivation perceptuomotor skills controlled (Rumbaugh Gill, 1973). Piagetian also indicate gorillas, undergo similar development (Chevalier-Skolnikoff, 1977, Mathieu Bergeron, Redshaw, 1978). Nevertheless, apparent inability six gorilla subjects recognize their mirrored images has led researchers conclude gorillas lack for self-awareness (Ledbetter Basen, 1982; Our current study female lowland Koko, considers linguistic evidence well provided challenges this assertion. Koko became subject ongoing language July 1972, when she was 1 year old (Patterson, 1978b). She taught sign continuously exposed spoken English.