Forget Mensa tests, one Oxford scientist is looking to crows to get an insight into the nature of human intelligence.

Jo Wimpenny, a zoologist from Oxford University, will be looking at how animal behaviour can inform research into human intelligence at a talk at Science Oxford next week.

Miss Wimpenny has been conducting research with New Caledonian crows - dubbed the 'clever crows' for their ability to use tools - and will be using the information gathered to examine the question.

She said: "It's such a huge question and if I'm honest I'm not going to be able to give people an answer - that's just not possible to do.

"This event will be all about getting people to think about it a bit more - highlighting the problems that people face when talking about the subject.

"People have very different definitions, it's hard to define as people attribute different things to intelligence depending on who you ask."

Dominic McDonald, head of public programmes at Science Oxford, said he was looking forward to the debate Miss Wimpenny's presentation would spark.

He said: "This is something that will engage people with science and excite people about the amazing world in which we are living.

"We're hoping it will generate an interesting debate with the audience that comes on the night."

Over the past three-and-a-half years Miss Wimpenny has been studying New Caledonian crows at the university's zoology department in Parks Road, Oxford.

The crows are unique in that they can use tools to perform various tasks.

They are the only animals known to invent new tools out of various different materials and then pass the information on to others in their group.

Miss Wimpenny's talk will be taking place at Science Oxford, St Clement's Street, on Tuesday, from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £3 by calling 01865 728953.