How did anyone ever figure out the link between sex and reproduction? While humans have the capacity for language and abstract reasoning to make this connection, it raises the question of whether animals understand the same.
The Misunderstood Link
Biological anthropologist, Holly Dunsworth, argues that non-human animals do not have our “reproductive consciousness” and therefore do not comprehend the link between sex and babies. It may be a common assumption based on the way humans think, but there is no strong evidence to support this understanding in other animal species.
Challenging Explanations
Some critics argue that animals must be aware of the link between sex and reproduction, questioning why they would bother to have sex or why alpha males would kill infants. However, Dunsworth provides alternative explanations for these behaviors that do not rely on animals understanding the consequences of mating.
Cognitive Gap
Dunsworth’s work emphasizes the significant cognitive differences between humans and animals. While there has been a trend in science to show that animals possess unique cognitive abilities, Dunsworth believes it is important to recognize and appreciate the vast cognitive gap between humans and other species.
Appreciating Non-Human Animals
Dunsworth argues that by accepting animals as having their own ways of thinking, we can better understand and appreciate them. Anthropomorphizing animals does them a disservice, as they are not just “furry little humans.” Exploring the natural world with this perspective makes it far more interesting.
