Animals understand numbers

[Catherine]

We think of ourselves as the math wizzes of the planet, but studies are concluding that animals grasp numbers and use them.
The article is complicated, but it is also interesting. Different species at different times actually assess numbers and react to them.  They can see how many predators vs prey there are assess whether it is wise to attack. Prey animals can assess whether it is dangerous.
I am not even going to try and explain the cow bird strategy. You need to read that yourself. They are amazing. 

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200...nd-numbers

Using numbers seems to come naturally to the animals that were observed. Humans take classes. Animals  just use numbers when they need to.
It is interesting that using numbers is built into survival of a great many species. I hope they continue to study this.