Preamble:
Recently, a news story about domestic pigs has attracted widespread attention, and domestic pigs that were originally raised by humans have shown amazing adaptability and intelligence after being released into the wild, far beyond people's understanding. This phenomenon has sparked a discussion about the underestimation of the IQ of domestic pigs, and has also led to a reflection on the impact of humans on the way livestock are raised, and how to better protect the living environment and welfare of animals. So, how high is the IQ of domestic pigs? Why is there an underestimation of IQ? What exactly has changed in the behavior of domestic pigs after they have been released? Let's dive into this topic and understand the reasons behind the underestimation of the IQ of domestic pigs, and how to better protect animals and promote the idea of harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.
Pigs are underestimated, but they are actually smarter than people think
Domestic pigs have long been considered very stupid animals, and have even become the object of ridicule, often used to describe some stupid behavior. Some recent studies have found that the IQ of domestic pigs is actually much higher than people think, and can even be comparable to some animals with higher IQs, such as dogs and cats. It is reported that through a series of experiments and observations, scientists have found that domestic pigs have shown very good abilities in problem solving, memory, social skills, etc., and even far beyond people's cognition in some aspects.
In one experiment, scientists gave domestic pigs a screen that they could touch with patterns of different shapes, and each time they touched the correct pattern with their noses, they were rewarded with some delicious food. In the beginning, it does take some time for pigs to get used to and learn, but once they get the hang of it, they are able to find the right pattern quickly, even faster than some children. Through this experiment, scientists discovered that the IQ of domestic pigs was far higher than they imagined, and even comparable to some elementary school students.
In addition, domestic pigs also show very amazing abilities in problem-solving and memory, and some domestic pigs can even learn some new skills by observing other animals, such as turning on the faucet, opening the door, etc., which can be said to be very intelligent and creative animals. Moreover, domestic pigs are also very social animals, they will have their own social circles and hierarchies between them, and they will help each other and protect the weak, so they can be said to be very loving and empathetic animals.
Why is there an underestimation of IQ?
So why is there a situation where the IQ of domestic pigs is underestimated? This has a lot to do with the way humans raise livestock. In the process of long-term domestication and feeding of human beings, the genes of domestic pigs have undergone some changes, and the environment and food they are exposed to are relatively simple, which has led to the gradual reduction of the IQ of domestic pigs, showing a dull side.
For example, in the process of human breeding, the food that domestic pigs come into contact with is mainly some grain and feed, while wild pigs are actually omnivores, they can find a variety of different foods through their foraging ability, which can not only enrich their nutrition, but also exercise their intelligence. Domestic pigs raised by humans do not have such opportunities, and have only been exposed to a single food for a long time, so they naturally lose some of the foraging ability and wisdom that they should have.
In addition, the way humans raise pigs will gradually lose their ability to adapt to the natural environment, for example, they do not need to find habitats on their own, nor do they need to escape from predators, which will make domestic pigs lazy and dependent for a long time, showing a dull side. Therefore, the reason why the IQ of domestic pigs is underestimated is mainly because the way humans raise them has a certain impact on them, so that they gradually lose the survival ability and intelligence they should have.
What changes have occurred to the behavior of domestic pigs after release?
Even domestic pigs that have been raised by humans for a long time, once released into the wild, will show amazing adaptability and intelligence, and even some unexpected behavioral changes. For example, in some practical cases, some domestic pigs are released into the wild, and begin to show a very cautious and aggressive side, and even learn to escape from predators, find different foods, protect themselves, etc., completely like wild boars.
The fact that domestic pigs, which were originally raised by humans, suddenly became wild animals is indeed a bit surprising, and it also makes people begin to recognise and understand domestic pigs. Domestic pigs will have such behavioral changes after release, mainly because they need to adapt to the new living environment, learn to find food on their own, protect themselves, etc., so they will show a more cautious and aggressive side, such behavioral changes actually provide a very good research angle for animal adaptation and evolution, and help people better understand the animal world.
After the pigs are released into the wild, they will indeed have a certain impact on the local ecosystem, such as they will destroy the local vegetation, and will also disrupt the food chain, and even kill some other animals, such as snakes, etc., which will bring certain problems to the local ecological balance, so it is not a good choice for domestic pigs to be released into the wild, and people should protect them through other ways, such as establishing wildlife sanctuaries, promoting slow food movements, reducing meat consumption, etc. In this way, pigs and other animals can be better protected, and the entire ecosystem can be protected.
How can we better protect animals and promote the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and animals?
So, in view of the underestimation of the IQ of domestic pigs, as well as the change in the behavior of domestic pigs after release, how should we better protect animals and promote the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and animals? We should have a proper understanding of domestic pigs, their survival skills and methods, so that we can better protect them and also help to better understand the diversity and adaptability of animals.
For example, the way of stocking can be adopted, so that livestock have more free space and rich living environment, so as to protect their IQ and survivability, and also help promote the development of animal welfare.
In addition, people should be aware of their impact on animals, respect the natural characteristics of animals, and can protect animals through some practical actions, such as participating in the activities of animal protection organizations, reducing meat consumption, choosing plant-based foods, etc., so as to truly realize the harmonious coexistence of humans and animals and jointly build a better home on the earth.
Epilogue:
Pigs are underestimated, but they are much more intelligent than one might think, they are very adaptable and intelligent, and they are also very interesting and cute animals. Human beings should better protect domestic pigs and other animals through in-depth research and understanding, and should also be aware of their impact on animals and respect the natural characteristics of animals, so as to achieve the goal of harmonious coexistence between humans and animals and enjoy a beautiful home on earth.