What is defined as the capacity to process information and manipulate the environment?

The capacity to process information and manipulate the environment is best defined as intelligence. Intelligence encompasses various cognitive abilities, such as reasoning, problem-solving, and the ability to adapt to new situations. It allows organisms to analyze their surroundings, draw conclusions from experiences, and modify their behavior accordingly.

For example, intelligence enables individuals to plan for the future, solve complex problems, and even innovate new solutions to challenges faced in their environment. This higher-level cognitive processing goes beyond mere recall or instinctual responses, as it requires a deeper understanding and adaptability to effectively influence one's environment.

While memory is related to retaining information and experiences, and instinct pertains to innate behaviors, it is the broader concept of intelligence that captures the essence of processing information and actively manipulating the environment based on that understanding. Learning, on the other hand, refers more specifically to the acquisition of knowledge or skills over time rather than the overall capacity to manage and adapt to environmental challenges.