Mathematics in the Animal Kingdom

It's a common misconception that only humans are capable of doing mathematics. As it turns out, many animals have a natural ability to perform mathematical tasks! From ants using vectors to monkeys counting and solving basic arithmetic problems, these creatures are proving that math isn't just for humans. In this blog post, we will explore some amazing examples of animals doing math in the wild.

“What is mathematics? It is only a systematic effort of solving puzzles posed by nature.” — Shakuntala Devi

One of the most fascinating examples of animals doing math is the use of vectors by ants. Ants are known for their impressive ability to navigate and find their way back to the nest. It turns out that they do this using a form of mathematics known as vector addition.

Vector addition is a mathematical concept that involves adding two or more quantities together, taking into account both their size and direction. Ants use this technique to navigate by adding together the vectors representing the direction and distance of their nest, food, and other landmarks.

Here's how it works: When an ant leaves the nest in search of food, it follows a straight path to the food source. Once it finds the food, it turns around and retraces its steps back to the nest. This creates a vector that points directly back to the nest. The ant then uses this vector to guide it back home.

But what happens if the ant encounters an obstacle on its way back to the nest? This is where the math comes in. The ant will adjust its vector to account for the obstacle and continue on its way. By doing this, the ant is able to find the most direct route back to the nest, even if it has to go around an obstacle.

Ants aren't the only animals that use math in their everyday lives. Monkeys are also pretty good at it! In a study conducted by psychologist Sarah Boysen, rhesus monkeys were able to learn and solve basic arithmetic problems. One of the monkeys, named Gwen, was able to count up to nine and even solve simple addition and subtraction problems. When asked to choose the larger of two groups of objects, Gwen consistently chose the correct one.

But it's not just counting and basic arithmetic that monkeys are good at. They're also able to understand the concept of "more" and "less." In a separate study, capuchin monkeys were able to understand that if they were given more grapes, they would receive fewer cucumbers in return. They were also able to understand that if they were given more cucumbers, they would receive fewer grapes in return.

"Arithmetic is being able to count up to twenty without taking off your shoes." - Mickey Mouse

Other animals that have been shown to have a natural aptitude for math include birds, bees, and even elephants. In one study, elephants were able to learn how to use numerical symbols to represent different quantities, a skill that is critical for doing math. Insects, such as honeybees, were able to learn how to add and subtract small numbers by observing the arrangement of flowers and were able to choose the larger of two groups of objects, even when the objects were moved around or hidden from view.

Birds are also pretty good at mathematics. In a study conducted by the University of Cambridge, ravens were able to understand the concept of "bigger" and "smaller." When presented with two sets of objects, the ravens consistently chose the larger of the two sets.

These examples show that the ability to perform mathematical tasks is not just a human trait, but is found in many different types of animals. But why are animals so good at math? It's still not fully understood, but some scientists believe that it's because math is a universal language that is essential for survival. In my opinion, Mathematics is not just a human construct. It's a fundamental aspect of the way the world works.

So the next time you see an ant or a bee going about their business, just remember that they might be doing mathematics without even realizing it! It's just one more way in which animals continue to surprise and fascinate us.

And who knows, maybe your furry friend is secretly a math genius too!