Evidence from convergent evolution and causal reasoning suggests that conclusions on human uniqueness may be premature.
We agree with Vaesen that there is evidence for cognitive differences between humans and other primates. However, it is too early to draw firm conclusions about the uniqueness of the cognitive mechanisms underlying human tool use. Tests of causal understanding are in their infancy, as is the study of animals more distantly related to humans.
Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EB, United Kingdom. at564@cam.ac.uk
Alex H
AH
Taylor
Nicola S
NS
Clayton
D000818:Animals; D003071:Cognition; D006801:Humans; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013672:Technology; D053001:Tool Use Behavior