Do Fish Have Brains? - Exploring Intelligence & Structure

  • Thread starter Iacchus32
  • Start date
In summary: They are so graceful, and when you finally get a good one in the net, it's an incredibly satisfying moment.In summary, the author is describing the beauty and grace of fish, and how they are able to interact with their environment without appearing to be conscious. He also talks about a place in Utah where special golden trout live and how their shadows are beautiful.
  • #1
Iacchus32
2,315
1
Do fish have brains? It's a simple enough question isn't it? Cleary if fish exist -- as a "structure" -- and, fish have brains -- within that "stucture" -- we must consider the whole of the fish, when referring to the intelligence and, structure of that fish. Correct? So, in what way does structure not serve, and hence coincide, with intelligence? Indeed, how does it vary from the structure of the Universe, when viewed as a (structured) system as a whole?

Now, does this mean I'm saying we as human beings are the articulators of the Universe? No it does not. I am merely asking if it's possible to separate intelligence from structure. In other words, how does intelligence in fact "arrive," without its contingency upon structure as its basis? And, where we may recognize intelligence within the brain, as the epitome or, "final outcropping" of that structure, does that mean the rest of the system does not entail intelligence?

Surely we couldn't argue this in the case with a fish!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Note: For anyone who may be thrown by the original post, the first question was more rhetorical, and was in response to a question someone else had posed elsewhere, regarding the nature of structure versus intelligence. Obviously, fish do have brains. Okay?

Thanks.
 
  • #3
Watching large schools of fish swim in perfect unison, makes me think that they are electrically sensitive, or telepathic, or have some large "group mind thing" that they do. Fish look to be so much a part of their environment, and their group dynamics are miraculous. They seem possessed of strong instinct and will, and function in an incredibly reflexive fashion. They can be amazingly defensive, and then so driven they seem reckless, yet I think that each species and specialized subspecies is an entire entity, so the loss of one is like the loss of a part of a whole.

There is a place that is a spring area in the high Uinta mountains of Utah. A special golden trout lives there. They are cagey, and on that white sand bottom, looking up through the shallows they inhabit, nothing is missed. They are not to be caught, but I love watching their shadows.
 

1. Do all fish have brains?

Yes, all fish have brains, although the size and complexity may vary among different species.

2. How does the intelligence of fish compare to other animals?

The intelligence of fish is often underestimated, but studies have shown that some fish possess problem-solving abilities and can even use tools.

3. What is the structure of a fish's brain?

A fish's brain is located in its skull and is composed of several different regions, including the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. The size and shape of these regions may vary depending on the species.

4. Can fish feel pain?

There is still some debate among scientists about whether or not fish can feel pain. Some studies suggest that they may have the ability to experience pain, while others argue that their brain structure may not allow for this sensation.

5. Do fish have memory?

Yes, fish have memory, although it may not be as developed as other animals. Some fish have been shown to remember specific feeding locations and can even be trained to perform simple tasks.

Similar threads

  • General Discussion
Replies
3
Views
718
  • General Discussion
Replies
4
Views
666
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • General Discussion
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
827
Replies
58
Views
6K
  • General Discussion
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • General Discussion
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
995
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
7
Views
1K
Back
Top