At a 'Tea Party' With Scientists, This Ape Showed Some Imagination

[Kira_Thomsen-Cheek]

1. This quote cracked me up!

"This is one of those things that we assume is distinct about our species..."

Scientists apparently spend a LOT of time backtracking on their blinkered assumptions about other species' abilities. Why not go in with the assumption that a creature that shares more than 98% of our DNA might have many of the same abilities and proclivities and possibilities and potentials as do we humans?

I get that the genetic differences, while small, are significant. But always starting with assumptions like "apes stupid - no imagination - humans amazing with lots of imagination" seems a little crazy, with all that we have learned.

FWIW, scientists do this with ancient human populations, too. One is forever hearing things like, "Durrrr hurrrrr we NEVER woulda thunk that these ancient Indus Valley people had AIR CONDITIONING!" and the like. Just makes me go ARGH.