Why Consciousness Evolved: Scientists Unlock New Clues from Birds and Humans
Scientists from Ruhr University Bochum are exploring why consciousness evolved. Their new studies compare humans with birds. As a result, the research reveals that different brains can produce similar forms of awareness.Interest in consciousness has grown over the past two decades. However, one major question remains: what purpose does consciousness actually serve? Understanding this helps explain why humans evolved complex awareness while many species did not.
Three Levels of Conscious Experience
Professor Albert Newen explains that consciousness appears in three levels. Each level supports survival and daily functioning.
Basic arousal comes first. It alerts the body during danger. For example, pain helps us notice harm and respond quickly.
General alertness developed next. It helps us focus on one important thing at a time. Therefore, we can detect smoke during a conversation and investigate the cause.
Reflexive consciousness is the most advanced level. It allows us to reflect on ourselves, our memories, and our plans. This form also supports social connection, since it helps us understand how we fit into groups.
What Birds Teach Us
Researchers Onur Güntürkün and Gianmarco Maldarelli show that birds offer surprising insights. Studies suggest that birds may experience fundamental forms of awareness.
For example, pigeons shift between different interpretations of unclear images. Crows also display nerve signals linked to subjective perception. These behaviors suggest that birds do more than react automatically.Bird brains also contain structures that support advanced processing. The avian NCL acts much like the human prefrontal cortex. In addition, some birds show simple forms of self-awareness, such as recognizing their reflection in certain contexts.
A Shared Evolutionary Story
These findings suggest that consciousness is more ancient than once believed. Different species evolved unique brain structures, yet they developed similar solutions for awareness and decision-making.
