Ep 12. Thinkers

The Most Extreme is an exciting and educational television series that explores the incredible world of animals and their extraordinary abilities. In season 1, episode 12 titled "Thinkers," viewers are taken on a journey through the animal kingdom to discover the most intelligent creatures on the planet.

This episode starts by delving into the concept of intelligence and what it means in the animal world. The hosts introduce the idea that intelligence is not solely determined by brain size but rather by an animal's ability to solve problems, adapt to new situations, and exhibit complex behaviors.

The first animal featured in "Thinkers" is the remarkable chimpanzee. Known for their exceptional cognitive skills, chimps are considered our closest living relatives. Through a series of experiments and captivating footage, the episode showcases their extraordinary problem-solving abilities and their capacity for using tools. Viewers witness how chimpanzees crack nuts using rocks and sticks, demonstrating innovative thinking and manipulation of objects.

Moving on from primates, the episode highlights the surprising intelligence exhibited by certain bird species. Crows, especially the New Caledonian crow, are showcased as master problem solvers. These birds are known for their remarkable ability to fashion tools from natural materials to obtain food. The show highlights footage of crows bending sticks into hooks to extract grubs from tree bark. It's a fascinating demonstration of their ingenuity and resourcefulness.

The episode then takes a look at the intelligence exhibited by marine creatures. Dolphins, widely regarded as one of the most intelligent animals in the ocean, are featured prominently. Viewers are treated to amazing footage of dolphins engaging in cooperative hunting, using sophisticated communication methods, and demonstrating self-awareness through mirror self-recognition tests. Their complex social structures and ability to problem-solve in groups are awe-inspiring.

Moving onto the land, the episode explores the intelligence of elephants. These majestic creatures possess remarkable memories and exhibit emotional intelligence. The show provides examples of elephants' ability to recognize themselves in mirrors and learn from their experiences. It also delves into their incredible communication skills, using infrasound and seismic vibrations to communicate over long distances.

Next, the episode introduces viewers to the clever octopus. Despite having no internal skeleton and being a mollusk, the octopus displays remarkable intelligence and adaptability. Through observational learning and problem-solving, octopuses can navigate complex mazes and even open jars to access food. Their ability to camouflage and mimic other creatures is also prominently showcased.

The final featured species in this episode is the remarkable African grey parrot. Known for their exceptional mimicry and communication skills, these intelligent birds are capable of learning a vast array of words and phrases. The episode highlights the story of Alex, an African grey parrot who achieved groundbreaking cognitive milestones, demonstrating his ability to understand concepts such as numbers, colors, and shapes. The parrot's achievements serve as a testament to the incredible intelligence of these birds.

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide fascinating insights into the behaviors and cognitive abilities of these exceptional animals. From problem-solving to tool use, cooperation to long-term memory, each species showcased in "Thinkers" contributes to our understanding of the vast range of intelligence present in the animal kingdom.

"The Most Extreme" season 1, episode 12 titled "Thinkers" offers a captivating exploration of the most intelligent creatures on Earth. Through incredible footage, engaging narration, and expert insights, the episode provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of animal intelligence. Viewers of all ages will be spellbound by the remarkable abilities showcased by these extraordinary creatures.