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[Zoology] Why do certain animals react aggressively to their reflection in a mirror, but seem to understand that their reflection in a body of water (e.g. while drinking) is just that? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

5 comments fedilink hide all child comments

And does this negate the "mirror test" idea? That is, an animal failing to recognise that the creature in the mirror is themselves, but can recognise themselves in water, shows that their problem isn't with the concept of reflectivity or "self", but something about the mirror's version of themselves that they can't quite grasp?

A follow-up question: Does an animal recognise its own shadow, and does this count as a kind of "self-awareness" when their shadow is moving around in the world but they don't lose their mind over it?

Thank you!

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[–] [email protected] 12 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Because puddles aren't typically seen on walls

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 days ago

Hahahaha, I snorted. Enjoy your upvote.