In the old days we were taught that there are two kinds of animals.
Vertebrates and invertebrates.
Big complex vertebretes, and small, simple invertebretes.
Now, invertebretes are wonderful.
Fascinating.
But a deer can do a lot more than a clam, snail or earthworm can.
Perhaps there is something to it.
But if there is, than there are three groups of animals, not two.
Vertebretes.
Invertebretes.
And cephalopods.
Behold, the Octopus.
And her cousins, the squid and the cuttlefish.
They can swim the open ocean.
They can walk.
They have arms, and can throw a ball, open a can, or play catch.
They have intelligence comparable to the higher mammals and birds, let alone vertebrate intelligence.
If there is a real difference between vertebrates and invertebrates, than cephalopods, such as the octopus, are a third group, comparble in sophistocation to the higher vertebrates.
And perhaps not the only such group.
The social insects also show intelligence.
Admit it.
The behavior of ants shows intelligence!
Surely they too are on a par with vertebrates in intelligence and the versatility of how much they can do with their body!
With even more intelligence as a social group than as individuals!
And there are two groups of social insects.
Ants, bees and wasps make up one.
Perhaps termites are just as intelligent and sophistocated as ants?
Certainly they are some of the natural world's greatest builders! Look at the termite mounds of the tropics!
Perhaps there are four groups of animals comparable to vertebrates?
Vertebrates
Cephalopods
Ants and their relatives
And termites!
Perhaps there are really five groups of animals?
Or four- maybe perhaps all insects? Or all arthropods?
Food for thought!
Behold, the Octopus!
Alien intelligence comparable to the cat!
God loves you!
Sincerely,
David S. Annderson