There has been much debate throughout modern biology about the differences between human and animal genetics. Some differentiate between the concept of the type of cognitive and consciousness development that humans have versus animals, while others look plainly at how effective they are in terms of laboratory studies. The skill to interpret and conceptualize the world is seemingly a skill only humans are capable of according to many behaviorists and the Cartesian predication. However, when looking at genetics, there is not a significant difference between what we humans analyze about the world around us and animals mental capacity to do the same. The truth is that animals have not simply language development capabilities, but also the ability to think in cognitive manner, just as we do.
Animals are not just adept at cognitive thinking, but also thoughts and intentions. It is clear that language is the criterion in which the mental capacity of human beings is measured, but language is not the one and only benchmark that determines how capable we are at forming a concept of the world around us. For example, consider human beings who have a mental disability such as cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease or any other disease that prevents them from being able to communicate within the realm of most of society. Also, consider those who have physical disabilities like deafness, quadriplegic, paraplegic, etc…and remember these people are still capable of communication. Those who are mentally incapacitated use symbols and body language while physically disabled rely on kinesics. Many studies have shown that monkeys, apes and baboons use the exact same type of communication and body language. These initial studies prove that animals and human beings are not that diverse when it comes to conceptualization.

While animals are unable to verbally specify pointed issues through language they way humans do, they can display emotion, anger, fear and new ideas in their own way. Let’s take monkeys for example; they have their own form of communication to alert others in their group of there is danger nearby. They use grunts, but not just any grunt, however, there are variations on emphasis and volume depending on the type of danger. For example, a particular grunt may mean a snake is nearby, while another means eagle or lion, etc…Clearly volition and ability to communicate effectively among a pack of animals mustn’t be considered exclusive to humans alone. Now the capability to manage objects and research information is considered an emblem of human intellectual ability, although children and animals are able to learn these skills just as well. Many scientists also believe that those in the animal kingdom have enough mindfulness and awareness to be able to deceive other animals and humans, alike. Many studies on monkeys and baboons clearly demonstrate their readiness to manage actions of other animals in order to get what they want. One of the most comical examples is the smoking chimpanzees and monkeys at zoos all over the world. Patrons will throw a lit cigarette through the fence and these animals will pick it up and smoke it. Not only that, but when they see their handler nearby, they throw it down and stomp on it just as humans do. Another act of deception often perpetrated by animals is playing dead or mimicking behavioral patterns of others to prevent capture. So, while apes and monkeys are unable to formulate mental grammar like humans, they do have the ability to obtain a language of symbols.

It is critical that scientists who routinely perform research on animals for the purposes of human benefit, understand that animals are fully capable of cognitive abilities. Their rights and overall welfare are on the line, due to individual viewpoint. Unfortunately, many scientists have a conventional belief that animals are inferior to humans when it comes to cognitive abilities and intelligence. Previous scientists such as Descartes, stated that humane treatment of animals is not essential because of this belief. Some scientists feel that those who are skeptical about animal intellectual ability if there was a line of research done strictly for the study of animal consciousness. To remain on the ethical side of animal use for research, methods devised to promote respect for the animal and the acknowledgment of their intelligence, are paramount for optimum awareness.

If scientists follow theories such as those of Descartes, that any mammal of the non-human species is inferior, they will remain unable to progress and experience a paradigm shift that has so long been built among biology and chemistry. Animals are not simply robots made only of bone and meat; they are intelligent creatures and should be respected as such. Language abilities are comprehensive and don’t necessarily mean that of formal language or vocabulary. There is wide range that encompasses the definition of language skills including the ability to plan an activity, draw an inference based on circumstances, justify actions, evaluate relevance and use of verbal and non-verbal symbols to guide others. Animals do have consciousness and awareness like humans. While monkeys and apes are not as sophisticated as us when it comes to language, they are definitely competent when it comes to cognitive aptitude.