‘This is dangerous’: slime moulds and the bitter debate over the nature of intelligence
Scientists are engaged in a heated debate over whether simple organisms like slime moulds possess intelligence. The discussion challenges traditional biological definitions and forces a re-evaluation of how we perceive cognitive processes in non-neural life forms.
Why it matters
Redefining intelligence could fundamentally change our understanding of biology, evolution, and the status of simple organisms in the natural world.
Slime mould plasmodium advances over leaf litter and forms sclerotium. Video: BBC/Getty The long read ‘This is dangerous’: slime moulds and the bitter debate over the nature of intelligence Scientists are battling over whether supposedly simple organisms should be considered ‘intelligent’. The outcome could reshape our understanding of the natural world – and our own place within it
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in