What separates humans from animals? The more we research animal intelligence and behavior, the more we see that we are not so different. At one time, communication was thought to be the main differentiator, but research into chimpanzees, dolphins, and even prairie dogs has found that these animals are also capable of complex communication.
Grieving Animals
While it is hard to say what she truly felt, Tahlequah the killer whale appeared heartbroken when her calf died soon after being born. As any mother would, she took it hard, and could not let go. Tahlequah carried her child’s body for 1,000 miles over 17 days before finally letting her go.
Animal Laughter
Aristotle once questioned what separates humans from animals. He decided it’s not language or reason. It’s laughter. Aristotle wrote that the moment when a baby first laughs is when the child becomes fully human. According to historian Barry Sanders, Aristotle believed that “At that point, the creature moves from being a human into a human being.”