Can animals count? While it may be a rather strange question it is one that has kept me thinking. Can animals count? As a society we do recognize that animals share some of the same cognitive functions as humans such as our survival instincts but do they share some of the more developed traits that us humans possess? This was a topic discussed in one of this year’s ‘Discovering Mathematics’ inputs and it’s something I have been pondering ever since.

Those who study animal behavior have looked into this extensively however there is still debate over the validity of the research. Besides, some cases of counting animals can be discredited with ease, for example ‘Clever Hans’ the amazing counting horse. In the early 1900s, an Orlov Trotter horse named ‘Clever Hans’ became somewhat famous. This horse could apparently perform mathematical tasks which people paid to see. However, after some observation and research it was clear that the horse was not tapping out the answers to the questions asked, he was simply observing and mimicking the actions of his owner. This is an example which that does not prove that animals can count but is an interesting case that can be seen below –

A more convincing study in my opinion is one carried out by Karen McComb, an animal behavior specialist. She conducted a study on lions and there ability to count. Her evidence was that if a lion hears a set of roars in the distance, they can actually determine how many lions there are in that collective roar. This helps them to decide whether or not they will be outnumbered or in danger if they are to cross paths. I find this extremely interesting, that by sound alone a lion can know how many lions are approaching. By differentiating roar from roar they seem to possess the ability to count how many lions are near. While we cannot assume that they know exact numbers, surely this indicates an understanding of the concept of more and less? Does this indicate that lions are aware enough to be able to have this fundamental mathematical skill? I feel that there is a possibility in this case and I find it to be quite convincing. The case study can be read here and I highly recommend reading this interesting and quite amazing research-

Click to access Roaring_and_numerical_assessment_in_contests_between_groups_of_female_lions.pdf

Now these are just a few examples of situations in which animals have been believed to have counting abilities. I believe that animals do have some concept of mathematics. It may not be complex calculus but i feel that the underlying skills of fundamental mathematics are present somewhere in their minds. There are so many avenues that can be explored into this area of research, something I think I may look into in the future. But what do you think? Can your pet dog understand time? Does a sheep in a field know how many are in it’s flock? Can animals count?

Reference-

McComb. K, Packer. C, Pusey. A, (1994), Roaring and Numerical Assessment in contests between groups of female lions, Panthera leo, available at:

https://www.cbs.umn.edu/sites/cbs.umn.edu/files/public/downloads/Roaring_and_numerical_assessment_in_contests_between_groups_of_female_lions.pdf : Accessed (16/10/17)