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> Over 99% of all species that ever existed are now extinct. This is often cited, but the jury's out on whether it applies to us. As far as we can guess, none
by newsbinator 5y ago
> Over 99% of all species that ever existed are now extinct.
This is often cited, but the jury's out on whether it applies to us.
As far as we can guess, none of those 99% of species could control fire, much less band together to push aside an asteroid or develop a vaccine.
We, too, might go extinct. We might even go extinct because we can control fire or do space things or biology things.
But as far as we know, compared to 99% of all species, we're a special case.
- robbedpeter 5y agoI can't wait for noninvasive brain scan tech that can give whales, orcas, and dolphins voices to communicate with us. We'll probably need to develop a semi tame culture of cetaceans to go out and live and learn among wild groups to allow us to learn more. Our brains and thumbs are enough to assist other species, not just our own - we might be the best thing to happen to every extant species if we can get our shit together in time.
- kiba 5y agoI don't think they are capable of communicating anything more than "food", "hey, the surf's good", "mate", or "back off!"
- robbedpeter 5y agoI dunno - Bunny the talking dog has a YouTube channel that's fascinating. The dog talks about dreams, feelings, friends, family, and fart jokes. Koko the gorilla was a more interesting and empathic person than many actual humans I can think of. Whales making fart jokes would make the entire enterprise worth it. I think not having language is a limitation on the upper bounds of animal intelligence, and providing voices through technology will enhance animal cognition beyond what they could achieve naturally. Humans providing education and training could make their lives more meaningful and nuanced by giving them the jump start of participating in our culture. Besides, imagine cooperative orca tribes assisting in human endeavors, like seasteading and ocean rescue? Who knows, if orcas are smart enough, they could be the first nonhuman writers or scientists?