Were this understanding comes from is up to debate as in does one have to have some level of consciousness and self-awareness and is this level unique to human or also other animals for example whales and dolphins? <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/21/whales-dolphins-legal-rights">http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/21/whales-dolphins-legal-rights</a> Animal consciousness/intellgence form part of my animal science degree.