One of the ways we try to understand the origins of human intelligence is by looking at its equivalents elsewhere in the animal world. But doing so turns out to be more complicated than it might seem.

The best avian vocal learners, such as crows and parrots, also tend to be considered the most intelligent birds. So it’s natural to think that the two traits could be linked. But studies with smart ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. GrrlScientist writes about evolution, ecology, behavior and health. But one thing that Mozart probably never knew about his ...