Research on animals’ ability to recognize themselves in mirrors began in 1970, and only a few species have passed the test. While humans are the only species that regularly look at their reflections in mirrors, other species have shown signs of self-recognition in reflective surfaces. Scientists have tested many species, starting with chimpanzees in 1970. From ants to stingrays to African grey parrots, researchers have closely studied a variety of animals for their ability to perceive themselves in mirrors. While some animals do understand they are looking at themselves, many do not, and some exhibit ambiguous behavior.
Different animals react differently to the mirror test. Some great apes, such as chimpanzees and orangutans, have passed the test, while others, like gorillas, have not yielded clear results. Monkeys often perceive their reflection as another animal, and while some have shown signs of self-recognition after training, critics argue this behavior may not be reliable evidence of self-awareness. Even an Asian elephant and rats have passed the mirror test, demonstrating their ability to recognize themselves in a mirror.
More recent studies have shown that animals like dolphins, magpies, penguins, ants, and even fish may possess some level of self-awareness. While some supposedly less intelligent creatures have passed the mirror test, some highly intelligent animals, like African grey parrots, have not. This has raised questions about the true meaning and utility of the mirror test in determining self-awareness in animals.
Overall, studies on animals’ ability to recognize themselves in mirrors have revealed diverse responses across various species. While some animals show clear signs of self-recognition, others do not, challenging our understanding of how different species perceive themselves in reflective surfaces.