There are two basic flaws with this approach. One is the fundamental notion that some species are more highly “evolved” than others. We might naturally think of monkeys occupying a position higher on the phylogenetic scale than cats, and cats higher than rats. Yet the fact is that primates, carnivores, and rodents all diverged from a common ancestor at the same time. They are all equally “evolved”. The branching tree of evolution has not just one culmination, but millions of culminations - represented in every living species on earth today. Each is a brilliant success at what it does.
- excerpt from “If a lion could talk”
How animals think
by Stephen Budiansky
Phoenix
ISBN 0-75380-772-6
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