Written by: Pauline B. Ferrero
If you’ve read our article on Animal in You, you probably have an idea now of how animals and humans have correlations with their behavior. We might be interested on how others perceive us and what animal they compare us to. Better yet, we might want to know what animal characteristics resemble ours so that we know where we stand with our interactions with others next time.
This whole article is largely based on the work of Roy Feinson whose animal personality quiz is by far one of the most extensive and largely precise works on this field. So, read on and find out which animal you think characterizes some, if not most, of your personality.
Animals consist of a wide range of behavior and characteristics. But, basically, we can divide them into five categories: herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, rodents, and reptiles. Under each category are different animals that we may like, loathe, or simply not mind. It’s best to know them. Who knows? We could be like them sometimes.
Herbivores
Under this category belong the following animals: baboon, bison, cottontail, deer, hippopotamus, goat, zebra, horse, giraffe, gorilla, rhinoceros, warthog, sable, sheep, and elephant.
Generally, those who resemble the herbivores are hardworking and sociable. They are clear-headed which makes them capable of being highly organized, pragmatic, and methodical. It shows much in their approach to work. That’s why a lot of people rely on them. This and their sociable nature make them a friend to almost everybody. However, this may also be a cause for their constant compromise.
These individuals find assurance and safety when they are around people, family, and friends. They revel in group activities and working behind the scenes. They value consensus before making definite decisions. That’s why they make good team leaders, managers, statesmen or political leaders, bankers, or account officers.
Herbivores are conservative and are not the type who would head for trouble, but when they do get into fights, particularly the personalities of the bison, warthog, gorilla, and rhinoceros, they never back down.
These individuals are pragmatic, creative and dedicated to their pursuits. This is credited to their love for activities that require intense brain works. They love to think and are usually analytical (of course!). So, they most likely excel in the field of accounting, engineering, and the sciences.
Their conservative nature flows over to their sense of justice. Thus, they make good lawyers, policemen, and sports referees.
The herbivores are also family-oriented. Thus, they always put weight on the good of everybody. This may make them protective of their offspring (children, in our case), but they are generous, on the other hand. They may be strict on their kids who seem to be not so submissive at first admonition.
Carnivores
This group may be divided into four main categories: canines (dog, wild dog, fox, wolf, bear); feline (tiger, lion, and wild cat); pinnipeds (dolphin, otter, sea lion, and walrus); mustelidae (badger and weasel).
Carnivores are powerful, energetic, and competitive. They have the inclination to lead and may become bossy and territorial. They become aggressive when incited. They are optimistic about things and may become very enthusiastic.
Of course, the fact that these animals hunt their prey makes them keener about their surroundings. In the same way, individuals in this category are intelligent, talented, and fastidious, but at the same time, they can also be fun-loving, athletic, and adventurous. Travel is definitely an idea that excites them.
Although these individuals may tend to be flashy sometimes, their territorial nature still holds their ground and they may prove to be loyal still. Usually, their physical strength or agility is an asset to them. Added to that would be their healthy sense of self that they would make good managers, lawyers, doctors, scientists, policemen, athletes, politicians, and builders.
Birds
Birds are attractive, talented, and full of life. They love the high-flying life and may tend to be capricious, fickle or emotionally restless. Their flamboyance sometimes elicits criticism, but they’re often remembered when party invitations are sent. In fact, they top the list.
They can’t settle in one place for long. Travel or moving is their thing and sometimes they just want to travel for the sheer joy of it. These voyagers rarely stop to mingle with those in their current milieu or absorb the life around it. Nope. They must go.
Such are they that to some, they may seem unpredictable and mysterious because they somehow have not touched base with the daily life of the land creatures. Their enigma makes them melodramatic, but all the same makes them fascinating.
They are strong, swift, and lithe, but they can be proud, too, with the inclination to be independent. Nevertheless, people admire them for their soaring spirit.
Those with the bird’s nature may find it a challenge to be confined to cubicles in offices, except if the work calls much for challenge, creativity and whimsical wit. They just love the life outside, along with the beauty and splendor of it.
These people who just love the challenge may make good writers, editors, or artists. The outdoor lover may make a good pilot, construction worker, or park ranger. Their love for beauty, plus the striking or distinct look they possess, makes them suited for dancing, modeling, or acting. They may also be good dance or aerobic instructors, fashion or interior designers, and architects.
They may sometimes overvalue perfection, but they still are very dependable and reliable with their good organizational skills. In fact, they make good business owners or managers. They just need to keep watch over their high sense of perfectionism, though, because their fastidiousness and choosiness may set them against their subordinates or colleagues.
Overall, birds are fun-loving and undoubtedly energetic.
Reptiles
Like the animal itself, personalities that resemble this seem to be quick-tempered. Their unpredictable nature is brought about by their moody personality. They are individualistic and unusual, not too attached with people or relationships. However, when they do get the assurance and acceptance that they seldom find in people, they go to great lengths of loyalty, making them good trusted friends.
Crocodiles
Specifically, the crocodiles are more of the wary type. Life experiences like living on the edges make them tough to such extent that they have gone stiff, showing little compassion or conscience. They live for survival or thrill.
Because of that, they have developed a high capacity to disguise. They may tend to be ruthless. This makes them good bodyguards. Sometimes, they are those who are in the feared-but-sought-after list in society: drug dealers or gang members to name a few.
Snakes
Snakes, on the other hand, are settled with a low profile. They’re not used to being around with people and may find occasional glances at them to be offensive. Teasing is one blow-off that they can get serious with fighting back using their wits and sharp tongue. Thus, people may keep their distance from them.
Again, these individuals tend to be wary, too, probably because of childhood experiences of being bullied. Thus, they have learned to master the art of retaliation to protect them from future bullies.
They tend to settle for what they have achieved or attained so far, without giving much of a big deal over big opportunities that come their way. Perhaps, they’re the ‘Scrooge-y’ type. That means you just can’t try your puns over this guy. You better watch out.
Being a recluse most of the time, the cold-blooded has learned to re-channel its efforts to other forms of expression, mostly writing, music, and the arts. It is here that they excel because they find freedom to be themselves. Moreso, they revel in the assurance and affirmation when people appreciate their work.
However, when they feel the mistrust, they live up to being snakes and may be inclined to disloyalty. They are sometimes those who are consigned to jobs that require less creative or analyticall skill, like the tedious or routine jobs.
Insects & Rodents
Under this category belong the beaver, shrew, porcupine, prairie dog, bat, mouse, and mole.
Due to their small size, insects are simpler and less complicated. Some may be shy and less pushy than the rest. They would rather follow than lead since attracting attention is not their thing. Despite that, they are often relied on by their friends when problems arise. They have the tendency to lean on the stronger and more assertive ones to take the risks and initiate or start the way.
Rodents, on the other hand, are resourceful and clever. They are generally thrifty and cautious, often saving up for the rain. They are keen with their surroundings and they thrive well in almost anything they choose because of their nature that allows them to easily adapt.
Their admirable perspective and prudence makes them good writers, social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, and palm readers. They have good social skills and can blend well with a large group. This makes them ideal comedians, counselors, or teachers.
They value perfection and like to be neat and organized with their ways. They like to have things go accordingly. They are individuals who thrive well with routine and schedule. However, because of their thriftiness, they may not be too generous like the rest. Sometimes, they can also be demanding, and may often emphasize perfection.
They are happy with their lot and may prefer to keep a low profile while they work their way to success and better future.
If you wish to identify the specific animal that your personality reflects or resembles, you may take the personality quiz on the net. There are many posted, but one really extensive site is www.animalinyou.com.
It’s good to know how people perceive us. It allows us to see our weaknesses and shortcomings with an open mind. We can humbly accept them, while we work on changing positively. Remember, though, that while science strongly theorizes the origin of man from lowly forms, we are not confined to being lowly.
Time and again, man has shown his capacity to go beyond the social archetype of personalities. He can evolve and become, by personal choice, a prime example or a social obligation. Habit begets attitude that begets character that matters to people, regardless of social status, wealth, fame, achievement, or skill.
You may seem to be a badger, but you can choose not to be one for all your life. Thank goodness!
