Do animals think or do they merely act on impulse?

It depends on the animal and on what you classify as thought. Obviously an animal without a brain, like a sponge or jellyfish, acts solely on impulse. Creatures that do have primitive brains, like insects or fish, can often engage in surprisingly complex behaviors, but these may be due to impulse and instinct. read more

Do they think or do they merely function as though in a conversation and read more

With the public, I think it’s quite different. Many people simply assume that animals act consciously and base their belief on their own domestic animals or pets. Other people do not want animals to be conscious because it makes it easier for us to do things to animals that would be hard to do if we knew they were unhappy and suffering. read more