Scientists have announced possible consciousness even in insects

About 40 scientists from different countries signed The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness, which affirms the possibility of consciousness even in invertebrates. The declaration was submitted yesterday, April 19.

According to document, the presence of conscious experience in mammals and birds has “strong scientific support.” Also, observations and experiments indicate the “real possibility” of consciousness in all vertebrates (reptiles, amphibians, fish) and many invertebrates (octopuses, crayfish, insects).

In recent years, several discoveries have been made that suggest that various animals are intelligent. For example, scientists have discovered that the cleaner wrasse is able to pass the “mirror test,” that is, recognize itself in the mirror. Previously, this test was passed by chimpanzees and dolphins, the presence of consciousness in which is less doubtful. “No one in a million years expected a tiny fish to pass this test,” speaks one of the signatories of the declaration.

Other experiments have proven that fish also show curiosity bees – especially young people – play with wooden balls, cuttlefish are able to remember what they see and smell, and crayfish respond to anti-anxiety medications.

As more and more species show such signs, scientists may be wondering which animals in the world are not sentient, says animal law expert Rajesh Reddy.

The New York Declaration states that it is “irresponsible to ignore” the possibility of consciousness in an animal when making decisions that affect it, including legislation. For example, throwing live crayfish into boiling water is legal almost everywhere, but in the UK there are already turned on into the bill as reasonable.