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There is good reason to believe fish, amphibians, molluscs and insects are sentient, according to a new declaration signed by three dozen scientists.
The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness argues that current scientific research indicates such widespread animal consciousness is a “realistic possibility” — and that scientists and policymakers must take that into account when considering risks to those animals.
One line of research has followed the increasing evidence of self-awareness in fish and reptiles. Reptiles, in particular, are ancestral to both mammals and birds, the two orders for which there is the strongest evidence of sentience.
Anyone who spends time around animals or cared for lots of types of pets will know that for sure at least some types of critters are sentient. Like who would believe a golden retriever is just an instinct based automaton? I can tell when my cats are having bad dreams that’s a clear indicator of having complex enough thoughts for an imagination. And if it holds for some animals then it’ll hold for lots of them. I often wonder about bugs and will watch them for hours, especially ants. I think ants are much more individually intelligent than we give them credit for
I agree with the first half of what you said but completely disagree with the ant thing. If you had said almost any other non hive based insect/invertebrate, I would have been more likely to agree.
Like jumping spiders are a great example of insect intelligence. They even show signs of experiencing dreams, such as rapid eye movements and twitching whilst resting.
I have both a pet jumping spider and a pet lizard, and both show obvious signs of having intelligence and distinct personalities
There is the real fear of being to human centric on this, maybe one ant isn’t that sentient but an entire hive can do some incredible things.