Question

the mirror test is a means of assessing whether or not an animal has self - awareness. typically an animal is marked on its face with a sticker or dye it can only see in a mirror. if the animal sees the mark on its face and attempts to remove it, this means it can most likely identify itself by its own reflection. for a long time it was assumed that only highly intelligent mammals like apes and dolphins could pass the test, but two studies led by masanori kohda in 2019 and 2022 suggest that a small fish called the bluestreak cleaner wrass is also able to recognize itself in a mirror.
based on the text, what is true about the mirror test?
a it is a formerly respectable method that has now been discredited.
b it can only demonstrate self - awareness in land - based animals.
c it may reveal the abilities of species we did not expect it to.
d it gauges the ability of animals to use mirrors for hunting and feeding.

Explanation:

• Option A: The text says new studies (2019, 2022) showed more animals (like the wrass) can pass the mirror test, so it's not discredited. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The wrass (a fish) passed, so it's not only for land - based animals. Eliminate B.
• Option C: It was assumed only highly intelligent mammals could pass, but a fish (wrass) could, so it reveals abilities of species we didn't expect. This matches.
• Option D: The mirror test assesses self - awareness, not hunting/feeding with mirrors. Eliminate D.

Answer:

C. It may reveal the abilities of species we did not expect it to.