We observed in previous chapter that research by various scientists (Reiss, Gallup) has indicated that (besides humans) chimpanzees, Asian elephants, orangutans, and bottlenose dolphins all appear to meet the criteria for consciousness. They recognize themselves as existing separately from the rest of the world, they can understand that their reflection in a mirror is actually themselves and not another animal, and they appear to possess and understanding of their own mortality.
Chimpanzees have been demonstrated to engage in what appears to be creative thought (refer to the information on insight learning in Chapter 6).
So, you have just been give a MacArthur Genius Grant, and you have been asked to find the next best candidate for consciousness among animals other than those listed above. We already know, for instance, that gorillas are not conscious. Which species would you begin with, and why? Be sure to support your opinion, hypothesis, or claim with scientific data!