Scientists are pushing a new standard for animal consciousness

For those of you who’ve always considered your pet part of the family, you’re not too far off – scientifically speaking.

A far greater number of animals have the capacity for consciousness than humans previously thought, according to a new declaration signed by over three dozen leading researchers.

First things first: While there isn’t a standard definition for consciousness, the term generally refers to an ability to have subjective experiences.

• For an animal, such experiences would include smelling, tasting, hearing, or touching the world around itself, as well as feeling fear, pleasure, or pain.
• In some cases, consciousness can mean that animals have more complex mental states, including a level of self-awareness.

The new declaration argues in favor of widespread animal consciousness. In the three-paragraph document, scientists say decades of research shows “strong scientific support” for the idea that all mammals and birds are conscious. It also supports “at least a realistic possibility” of consciousness in all reptiles, fish, amphibians, octopuses, and insects.

Researchers who signed the declaration cite a range of scientific findings to back up their claims:

• Several different animals – including chimpanzees, Asian elephants, and cleaner fishes – appear to recognize their own image when presented with a mirror (unlike this writer after a crazy night out🫣).
• Octopuses seem to react to anesthetic drugs, and will avoid settings where they experienced past pain.
• Crayfish display anxiety-like states which can be altered by anti-anxiety drugs.
• In the insect world: bees show apparent play behavior, while Drosophila fruit flies have distinct dream-like sleep patterns that are influenced by their social environment.

👀 Looking ahead… The declaration argues that scientists and policymakers must take into account the growing evidence pointing to widespread animal consciousness when considering potential risks to those animals.