PUBLIC OPINION > Atheists Think Apes Can Outthink Humans; Christians, Not So Much
SodaHead News
2012/06/26 15:00:00
Scientists are investing an increasing amount of time and money into the study of animal cognition, and with nearly every new investment comes a new discovery. More and more, it's becoming apparent that we've been underestimating animals, and that's especially true with apes. Recently, studies have shown that there is only a 1.3% difference between human DNA and the DNA of a bonobo ape. We asked the public if apes could possibly outthink humans.
Believe it or not, this was a split decision. Maybe apes can outthink humans, after all. Some respondents did take this as an opportunity to joke about specific types of people, but there were plenty of serious believers. In fact, some suggested maybe other animals can outthink humans, too. Of course, it depends on the person as much as the animal. As many respondents were adamant that it's just not plausible.
Drinkers Don't Think So
Drinkers were a good 16% less likely to believe that apes can outthink humans. Interestingly enough, alcohol is one thing apes have in common with humans. Some species of monkey that have been exposed to alcohol not only enjoy the substance, but express as many attitudes toward alcohol as humans. Some just drink to relax, some become addicted, and some won't touch the stuff.
Atheists Are Convinced
In some ways, this poll is predisposed to intrigue some people, and turn others off. A major tenet of some religions, particularly western religions, is that humans were created special. On the other hand, a major tenet of science is that humans evolved directly from apes. Where you stand on that paradigm is likely to affect how you respond to the question.
Men Have No Faith in Monkeys
Men were a bit more reluctant to agree that apes could ever outthink humans, while women were a bit more willing. It could be that men have a little more pride in human achievement, or it could be that women can better see the flaws in human achievement. It's not a huge difference, though, so whatever the reason, it's of marginal value.
If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about apes. We'd love to hear from you!
Top Opinion
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volodymyr sereda sereda 2012/06/26 16:03:17
+14*Watches as the idiotic comments flood in, especially those attacking atheists for their beliefs.*
You're reading a lot into it that isn't there.
It is what it is.
Guess someone's gotta test high:)
I'm just happy to be able to say that I know what I don't know, which is more than most "intellectuals", who think they know everything.
(it's doubt, not dout)
You do not know what you are talking about. Those that believed in a G-d far out numbered those that did not. I believe that it could be argued that the atheist scientists would be nothing without the work done before them by ones that believed in a creator G-d.
Way to show the world what kind, caring, compassionate Christians you all are.
Sincerely,
An embarrassed Christian woman.
The funny thing is...
Most people don't understand what evolution is. Instead they get all prideful because they don't want to compare themselves to a monkey that isn't as intelligent as a human. Instead they want to preach their false belief of hierarchical power over the animal kingdom, when they have no idea what evolution means.
Apes are very intelligent creatures, but I do not think they have the intelligence greater than a human. Maybe their ability to learn things may be quicker, but they are still not as intelligent... and I am Atheist.
Well maybe they can outsmart religious people... ... Now I see why Atheist picked that answer... ... boy, my deduction technique is showing signs of improvement.
The scanning software also detected tandem repeats of telomeres. In the fusion site on chromosome 2, there are a small number of cases where the 6-base telomeres occur in perfect tandem, but never more than two in a row. However, other internal regions of chromosome 2 contain perfect tandems of three to ten telomere repeats. In fact, all human chromosomes contain many internal regions of perfect tandem telomere repeats.
Clearly, the presence of telomere sequence at the so-called fusion site is probably not a unique feature, but a genome-wide paradigm.
The non-uniqueness of the DNA structure associated with the fusion site on chromosome 2 would further invalidate the human-ape chromosome fusion model. Conversely, it would help to demonstrate, as shown previously, that it may be a ubiquitous genomic feature performing some sort of practical function
Sorry bro, I would have time to make a statement, but dude, you got a bit carried away with the technical terms. First, lets put that into "Barney style" so that myself and others can understand. I must admit that my linguistic intelligence isn't all that great.
:P
I think I have to retype what I said, because my statement is getting picked apart by Atheist and Creationist. UGH!
Christians on the other hand know they were created by the mighty hand of God with His amazing love.
It's embarrassing for the species, really:(
You can wish something away but it's still there. I'm sorry you are missing out on His amazing Grace.
You blindly accept an abstract being in the sky rather than look into evidence.
and if GOD is so amazing, why isn't evil in this world vanquished yet, since he is so powerful and all knowing? Why does he allow the innocent to die? Why does he care more about what you do with your genitals than the thousands dying in third world countries? Why do you cherry pick out of the bible?
also, Jesus was a Raptor and there's nothing you can say that can prove me wrong. Because you are personally blind to know Raptor Jesus. PRAISE RAPTOR JESUS!
Sad fact...You will know in the end but it will be too late for you as you turned your back on Him, and sadder still that you haven't known Him here in Life...you will meet Him in Death.
Nice try, lady. But death is death. I die, you die, the guy below me will die. It's the natural order of things. There is no afterlife. you're stuck in the Dark Ages, honey.
Also, you are the one who is begging the question.
No amount of belief makes something a fact.
Also, your religion doesn't give you the right to be a self righteous prick.
No amount of belief makes something a fact.
believe what you want, but in turn of calling me "clueless", you yourself are also clueless on my terms, yes?
I could care less about your terms they are meaningless. I only need to care about God's terms. Sorry you haven't met Him yet.
Do you ever use God's name in vain while swearing? If so why?