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.

  • @HauntedCupcake
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    17 months ago

    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