The speaker discusses the intelligence and adaptability of crows and other corvids, including their ability to use tools and manipulate their environment.
Crows, for example, are known for their problem-solving skills. They can use simple physics to solve problems, such as opening a faucet to drink water. They have also been observed to use fishing rods left by humans, understanding how the ropes work.
Crows can also learn to use human tools effectively. For instance, a crow was observed using a special machine to learn how to exchange money for candy. This indicates that crows have the potential to learn and adapt to new environments and tools.
The speaker also mentions that crows can understand human language to some extent. They can distinguish different languages and can imitate human speech. However, the speaker also suggests that scientists doubt whether crows fully understand human language.
Furthermore, the speaker mentions an instance where a crow stole a knife from a crime scene, demonstrating the corvid's ability to manipulate its environment.
The speaker concludes by suggesting that the interaction between ancient humans and corvids may have helped humans evolve. He posits that the need to protect prey from intelligent and voracious birds may have led to the development of social connections and the ability to fight against dangerous predators.
In summary, the speaker highlights the high intelligence and adaptability of crows and other corvids, their ability to use tools and manipulate their environment, and their potential to learn and adapt to new environments and tools.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The crocodile doesn't eat the birds because it needs their help to clean its teeth.
2. The ants are very skilled in agriculture, construction and the art of war, but they do not help anyone except their colony.
3. The corvids are very intelligent birds that can understand simple physics, use tools, imitate human speech and other sounds, and distinguish human languages.
4. The crows can learn to exchange money for food, open trash cans, steal evidence from crime scenes, and ride the subway.
5. The rooks can pick up cigarette butts and throw them in the trash.
6. The corvids can communicate with each other by pointing with their beaks, which is a rare ability in the animal world.
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