🐋🪞 In a new study, two #beluga #whales at a #NewYork #aquarium showed possible self-recognition in a mirror – one even pressing a mark behind her ear against the reflective surface.

The results place belugas alongside #chimpanzees, #dolphins, #elephants, and maybe #magpies on a short list of species that pass. But scientists disagree on what the test actually proves, and the debate itself raises deeper questions about animal #consciousness.

👉 https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/05/belugas-may-pass-the-mirror-test-but-does-the-mirror-test-still-pass/

#science #marinebiology #biology #animals #zoology #ocean #psychology #neurobiology #ethology