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Read the excerpt from "Say What, Horse?" (below). Based on the information in the article, write a response to the following:
Explain what new research reveals about horses' ability to communicate.
Write a well-organized informational composition that uses specific evidence from the article to support your answer.
The excerpt from "Say What, Horse?" reveals that new research has shown that horses are able to communicate with humans in a more complex way than previously thought. According to the article, a recent study found that horses are capable of reading human facial expressions and respond differently based on whether the person is showing a positive or negative emotion. This ability to recognize and respond to human emotions suggests a higher level of communication between horses and humans than was previously believed.
One piece of evidence from the article that supports this finding is the study conducted by researchers in Japan. In the study, horses were shown photographs of human faces displaying either a positive or negative emotion. The horses were then observed to see how they reacted to each type of emotion. The results showed that the horses consistently looked longer at the negative facial expressions, indicating that they were able to differentiate between the two types of emotions.
Another piece of evidence from the article is the fact that horses have been observed to change their behavior based on the emotions of the humans around them. For example, when a human is expressing fear or anxiety, a horse may become more alert and cautious. On the other hand, when a human is showing calmness and confidence, a horse may also exhibit more relaxed behavior. This ability to mirror human emotions suggests that horses are not only capable of recognizing human emotions, but also responding to them in a way that reflects a deeper level of communication.
Overall, the new research on horses' ability to communicate with humans reveals that these animals have a more sophisticated understanding of human emotions than previously thought. By being able to read facial expressions and react accordingly, horses demonstrate a level of emotional intelligence that sheds new light on the depth of the bond between humans and horses.