Mirror self-recognition in the bottlenose dolphin: a case of cognitive convergence.

Bibliographic Collection: 
MOCA Reference, APE
Publication Type: Journal Article
Authors: Reiss, D; Marino, L
Year of Publication: 2001
Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Volume: 98
Issue: 10
Pagination: 5937-42
Date Published: 2001 May 8
Publication Language: eng
ISSN: 0027-8424
Keywords: Animals, Cognition, Dolphins, Visual perception
Abstract:

The ability to recognize oneself in a mirror is an exceedingly rare capacity in the animal kingdom. To date, only humans and great apes have shown convincing evidence of mirror self-recognition. Two dolphins were exposed to reflective surfaces, and both demonstrated responses consistent with the use of the mirror to investigate marked parts of the body. This ability to use a mirror to inspect parts of the body is a striking example of evolutionary convergence with great apes and humans.

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.101086398
Alternate Journal: Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.