Mirror test facts for kids
The mirror test is a special way to see if an animal can recognize itself in a mirror. It was created in 1970 by a scientist named Gordon Gallup Jr.. This test helps us understand if animals know that the reflection they see is actually them.
How the Mirror Test Works
To do the mirror test, scientists first gently put an animal to sleep using a special medicine. While the animal is asleep, they put a small, harmless mark on its body. This mark is placed somewhere the animal usually cannot see, like on its forehead.
After the animal wakes up, it is given a mirror to look at. Scientists then watch to see what the animal does. If the animal touches or tries to clean the mark on its own body while looking in the mirror, it suggests something important. It means the animal likely understands that the image in the mirror is itself, not another animal.
Animals That Pass (and Don't)
Not many animal species have passed the mirror test. The animals that have passed are often considered very smart. These include great apes, like humans.
Other animals that have shown they can recognize themselves are:
- A special Asiatic elephant
- Dolphins
- Orcas
- The Eurasian magpie (a type of bird)
- The cleaner wrasse (a small fish)
Many other animals have been tested but did not pass. This means they did not seem to recognize themselves in the mirror. Some of these animals include different kinds of monkeys, giant pandas, and sea lions.
Images for kids
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European magpies have demonstrated mirror self recognition.
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A human child exploring his reflection
See also
In Spanish: Prueba del espejo para niños
