Psychologists and animal behaviorists have known for some time that play is a sign of intelligence. And science is seeing more evidence of play behaviors in animals we never expected it from - not just mammals but cephalopods (octopus & squid families), reptiles, and birds.
(I know all this, but sometimes I watch my BDWC (Brain-Dead Wonder Cat) and I suspect maybe we've been tricked.)
Seriously, is there a connection between play and intelligence? The official answer is "Yeah, sorta kinda probably, but we don't know how it works."
Evolutionary psychology says play behaviors are preparation for real life. Related theories suggest that highly social and larger-brained animals are more playful. That supposedly explains why lion cubs practice pouncing, wolf cubs practice howling, and young chimps practice swinging and scampering. In essence, they're smart enough to know they need to prepare to fend for themselves. That makes sense, but Houston, we still have some problems.
• First, if these theories are correct, only juveniles would play. Bigger and more highly social animals (mammals) care for their young, so the young have time to grow and develop skills through play. But adults of these animals play, too.
• Second, if these theories are correct, juveniles would only engage in behaviors that would translate to survival skills in some way. But some play behaviors have no practical application at all. There's far too much evidence now that shows that not only is there creative play, there are species that have developed games, with apparent rules. There are plenty of animals who understand humor to the extent that they are capable of playing tricks on each other. (Domestic animals do this with their people!)
• Third, if these theories are correct, then smaller-brained and less social animals (meaning, according to the theory, less intelligent) who must fend for themselves from birth would not exhibit play behaviors because they don't have a childhood during which to practice. So how do we explain an octopus or a turtle engaging in creative, recreational play activities? We're still figuring out just how smart cephalopods are - they're fantastic communicators, they have exceptional ability to organize complex movements, they use tools, and those in captivity come up with play-like things to do when bored.
• And then, what about creatures with no brains at all, which still learn? Jellyfish can not only learn to navigate a maze, but they'll practice it even without a reward. What kind of behavior does that suggest?
Obviously, there's more to play than just practice. But what?
In play, we have more control over things than at other times. So we have more choices, more creativity. It's a kind of break in routine that keeps a lot of our brain connections strong and active. We know that babies who are exposed to visually stimulating toys grow up to have greater cognitive abilities. Play could potentially trigger synapses all over the brain. And that kind of activity (brain exercise) is good for us.
How? It boosts memory, for one thing. In boosts our general cognitive ability. And it makes us happier. (And by the way, the opposite of play is not work, it's depression. Which is why one of the first signs of depression is a lack of interest in recreation, play, hobbies, and fun stuff.) Maybe play isn't so much a sign of intelligence as it is a sign of the intelligence needed to be self-aware and want to feel better.
So I'm designing more ways for the BDWC to play. She needs all the brain help she can get. We aren't in the same boat as she is, but on the other hand, considering the benefits of play, maybe it's best to do it and consider it preventive maintenance! You're never too old to fire up those synapses! And don't forget YOUR pets - find new ways for them to play, too!
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