The inspiration for the mirror test comes from an anecdote about Charles Darwin visiting the London Zoo in 1838. Later in 1970, Gordon Gallup, Jr., experimentally investigated the possibility of self-recognition and measurement of self-awareness. Very few species have passed the mirror self-recognition (MSR)* test. Species that have included the great apes (including humans) and the Eurasian magpi
e. A wide range of species has been reported to fail the test, including several species of monkeys, giant pandas, and sea lions. Unfortunately no one knows about the personnel of the experiment itself. Once upon a time there was one German laboratory assistant so neat, tidy and accurate that the team of the Mirror test decided to get him as a part of the experiment crew. Days passed by and one by one selected species failed the test until it was the Magpie’s turn to stand in front of the mirror with one blue dot on its neck… No one expected an extraordinary result from such an “ordinary” creature. So when everybody decided to have a look on what the hell was Magpie doing they heard a real shout of amusement from the lab guy - “Elster? (Yup, you got it right - Elster is a Magpie in German) That’s how our story begins.
*The mirror self-recognition (MSR) test is the traditional method for attempting to measure self-awareness. Self-awareness is how an individual consciously knows and understands their own character, feelings, motives, and desires.
