Do Animals Know They Exist? The Science of Self-Awareness
Recent research has revealed that self-awareness—once thought uniquely human—exists across species from dolphins and elephants to magpies and even fish. Scientists use the mirror test and species-appropriate alternatives to detect self-recognition, uncovering inner lives far richer than previously imagined. These findings are transforming animal welfare laws, conservation strategies, and ethical debates about farming and captivity, forcing humanity to confront uncomfortable questions about ho...
