Scientists test, debate whether animals have consciousness

Emerging scientific evidence suggests that reptiles, fish, mollusks, insects, birds and mammals may have a sense of consciousness, and “it is irresponsible to ignore that possibility in decisions affecting that animal,” according to scientists who signed the New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness. Because animals can’t use words to communicate, scientists assess sentience by gauging animals’ reactions to their own reflections in mirrors, measure brain activity during sleep and while performing learned behaviors, and evaluate their responses to stimuli such as pain

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