The absolute smartest animal is unequivocally the Platypus. It’s highly intelligent, creative small mammal with a unique combination of traits that are only possessed by certain animals, like its beaver-like bill and webbed feet, as well as its ability to lay eggs. It also has a fantastic sense of smell and taste, which helps it to find food. Its incredible intellect also allows it to be able to detect electric fields in water and dig tunnels in the mud—which makes this creature a true innovator when it comes to finding and consuming food.