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It mystifies me when I come across webpages debating the relative merits of hamsters and rats. Aside from crude aspersions on hamster heritage, one of the most common pro-rat arguments seems to be that rats may be trained to do a variety of tricks, and are thus more intelligent.
I ask you: Which is more indicative of native intelligence?
The ability to perform a variety of tricks in exchange for various tasty snacks and tidbits?
Or the ability to get those same snacks and tidbits simply by being cute, fuzzy, and sleepy?
PS: That said, behavior modification through positive reinforcement has its uses. I am currently training my human not to feed me stale peanuts.
I ask you: Which is more indicative of native intelligence?
The ability to perform a variety of tricks in exchange for various tasty snacks and tidbits?
Or the ability to get those same snacks and tidbits simply by being cute, fuzzy, and sleepy?
PS: That said, behavior modification through positive reinforcement has its uses. I am currently training my human not to feed me stale peanuts.
