Research shows cross-species partnerships enhance animal intelligence

Scientists are discovering that animals form unexpected partnerships, changing how we think about intelligence in the animal kingdom. Traditionally, intelligence was believed to develop mainly from social interactions within the same species. However, studies show that cooperation between different species can also be quite sophisticated. One example is the collaboration between Octavia, a day octopus, and Finn, a coral trout, on the Great Barrier Reef. They hunt together, using their unique skills to catch prey. Octavia is graceful and dexterous, while Finn is fast and agile. This teamwork is not just limited to marine life; land animals also engage in surprising collaborations. For instance, the greater honeyguide bird leads humans to bee nests. After humans take the honey, the bird enjoys the leftover beeswax and larvae. This relationship involves a kind of communication between the two species, relying on each other's abilities. Another interesting partnership is between fork-tailed drongos and meerkats. The birds warn meerkats of danger, but sometimes trick them with false alarms to steal food. This dynamic benefits both the meerkats and the drongos, showcasing trust and deception. On the reef, cleaner wrasse fish help remove parasites from larger fish. Client fish visit ‘cleaning stations’ but sometimes, cleaner wrasse take a bite of their client's mucus, which can end their service. This indicates that these partnerships require smart decision-making. Moreover, new tracking technology has enhanced our understanding of octopus-fish partnerships. It shows that both species actively participate in hunting, with octopuses even "punching" fish who aren’t contributing adequately. The fish communicate using body signals, helping the octopus flush out prey. These observations suggest that intelligence in animals can arise from interactions across species. Different species can recognize reliable partners, and their cognitive abilities help them work together. Understanding these relationships urges scientists to rethink how intelligence and social skills develop in the animal world. A project funded by the National Geographic Society is exploring this further. Researchers aim to create a robotic fish to better understand the signals exchanged between octopuses and their fish partners. This work highlights the importance of collaboration, showing that some tasks can only be successful when different species work together.