Signs That You're Smarter Than Average

#1 What Makes You Smarter Than Anyone Else

It's something that has puzzled science for years. Obviously you could take an IQ test - but that only measures a certain type of intelligence (and the test is more than 100 years old).

Business Insider has pulled together a far better and more novel way to find out if you're smart.

Drawing on scientific discoveries, they've looked at eight key indicators that you're brainier than the normal person.

#2 You're The Oldest Child

Oldest siblings are usually smarter, but it's not because of genetics. A 2009 study suggests that it's because of psychology and family dynamics.

#3 You Took Music Lessons

A 2011 study showed that the verbal intelligence of 4-6 year old's rose after a month of some type of music lessons.

#4 You Have Never Smoked

A 2010 study of young men and women found that the average 18-20 year old smoker had an IQ of 94, while the non-smoker had an average IQ of 105. When the smoker stopped their habit, after one year their IQ rose to about 97%.

#5 You're Naturally Thin

A healthy body is closely linked to a healthy mind. A 2009 study found that obese subjects could recall 44% of words in a vocabulary test, while their thinner counterparts could recall 60% of the words in the same test.

#6 You're Left Handed

Recent research links left-handedness with 'divergent thinking,' a form of creative thinking where you come up with novel ideas quickly and without prompting.

#7 You've Used Recreational Drugs

A 2012 study found a link between high IQ in childhood and the use of illegal drugs in adulthood. This suggests a correlation between high childhood IQ and the adoption of harmful behaviors. The study says that intelligent children tend to experiment with things they want to discover or explore.

#8 You Own A Cat

A 2015 study showed that 'dog people' were more outgoing, while 'cat people' were more intelligent. It's possible this is because more introverted pet owners may pursue more intellectual hobbies.

#9 You're Tall

A Princeton study in 2015 noted that "as early as age 3 - before schooling has had a chance to play a role - and throughout childhood, taller children perform significantly better on cognitive tests." So don't feel odd because you stand well above those in a crowd, you should, you're smarter.