So it turns out that elephants not only bury their dead, but they often return to the grave site of loved ones, just like humans. Monkeys can learn to use tools, they make friends with each other, and can also hold grudges, just like humans. Many different types of species (including monkeys and elephants) can recognize themselves in a mirror.
What does this all mean?
My theory:
Animals are evolving! Who’s to say that one day monkeys, apes, elephants, dolphins, etc. won’t learn to reason and develop language? Maybe they’ll start learning to farm and raise livestock of their own. Maybe they will create their own colonies and countries.
How would this effect us as a dominant species? Could we share earth? I know I’d be willing, but I also know that human selfishness would get the better of most of us. Does this mean we would have to declare war on the elephants? Personally, I think they would win….
However, I think it would be great to learn their languages. Befriend them. Understand them.
Anyway, it’s something to consider. You never know… maybe Planet of the Apes wasn’t far off….
Related posts:
I got here from your “related post” of the 5 monkeys; which it seems did take place, only not quite as rigorously scientific (and thus not scientifically quoted) as we seem to take for granted. See: http://1wiki.answers.com/Q/Did_the_monkey_banana_and_water_spray_experiment_ever_take_place
However, my reason for commenting was rather to do with your statement that you’d be happy to share the world with other sentient beings (evolved apes/dolphins/whatever).
The thing about sharing is that it’s easy to share when resources abound, but the sharing breaks down when there is not enough. And that’s where evolution will kick in.
In some way or other, equilibrium will be found – the nastiest, most clever, most able to hang on or whatever will be the species that will survive only resting in a state of balance when the remaining members of the struggle together do not strain the resources available.
Cheers
Joe
Joe Moffett´s latest blog post ..Tradition part 2 in a short series of thoughts about god