According to many general knowledge sources, which animal among the following is said to have the worst memory?

Introduction:
Some general knowledge questions use simplified or even scientifically questionable statements that are repeated in many quiz books. One such statement concerns which animal is supposed to have the worst memory. This question asks you to recall the answer commonly given in these GK keys, even though actual animal cognition research may differ.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The options are dog, rat, elephant and dolphin. - The question reflects exam oriented GK, not rigorous scientific consensus. - Worst memory here means shortest or poorest memory in the simplified view of those sources. - We assume the learner is familiar with such repeated quiz questions.

Concept / Approach:
Several general knowledge compilations surprisingly list elephant as the answer to the question about worst memory, even though many people associate elephants with good memory. This indicates that the GK item is somewhat inconsistent with common sayings. For exam purposes, however, the safest approach is to remember what appears in objective answer keys rather than personal assumptions or more detailed research findings.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall having seen the question what animal has the worst memory with the same four options. Step 2: Remember that some widely circulated GK keys give elephant as the correct answer to that question. Step 3: Compare this with dogs, rats and dolphins, which are often highlighted for trainability and problem solving ability. Step 4: Based on what exam oriented sources expect, choose elephant as the answer, keeping in mind the context.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you check multiple GK websites and key books, you will find that many of them explicitly state elephant has worst shortest memory and dolphin has longest memory, even though this is debated. For competitive exams that rely on such keys, the response that matches those keys is what will be treated as correct. Therefore, for this question, elephant is the required answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong (in GK context):
Dog: Often recognised for strong associative memory and ability to learn commands and tasks. Rat: Used in laboratory experiments for learning and memory; some GK sources do claim rat has poor memory, but many keys for this exact question favour elephant. Dolphin: Frequently described as one of the most intelligent animals, with very good memory and complex social behaviour.

Common Pitfalls:
The biggest pitfall is to rely on the popular saying an elephant never forgets and to assume that elephants must have the best memory, not the worst. Another confusion comes from some alternative sources that do name rat or even goldfish as having poor memory. In competitive exam settings, it is important to align with the specific answer key tradition of the question, which for this formulation usually picks elephant.

Final Answer:
According to many traditional general knowledge sources, the animal said to have the worst memory is the Elephant.