ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Consciousness in animals

Consciousness is the ability of a living thing to think, feel, and experience the world around them. Animals, just like humans, can be conscious. For example, when you pet your dog, your dog may recognize that you're giving it love, and feel happy. Animals are also able to remember things and learn from experiences. For example, if you take your dog for walks often, the dog may remember that they usually get a treat after their walk, and come to expect it every time. This is a sign of consciousness in animals.