Consciousness Evolves in Stages, From Basic Survival to Self-Awareness

Researchers at the Ruhr-University Bochum have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the evolution of consciousness, revealing that it emerged in stages, starting with basic survival responses such as pain and alarm, and gradually expanding into focused awareness and self-reflection. According to the study, these layers of consciousness helped organisms avoid danger, learn from their environment, and coordinate socially. Interestingly, birds have been found to exhibit many of these same traits, including subjective perception and basic self-awareness, suggesting that consciousness is far older and more widespread than previously believed. The study, published on December 15, 2025, suggests that pain and pleasure played a crucial role in the evolution of consciousness, serving as a means to keep organisms alive, attentive, and socially connected. Dr. Maria Rodriguez, lead researcher on the project, stated, "Our findings indicate that consciousness is not unique to humans, but rather a complex process that has evolved in various forms across different species." Dr. Rodriguez emphasized that the study's results have significant implications for our understanding of the neural basis of consciousness and its relationship to the brain. The researchers' findings are based on a comprehensive analysis of the neural mechanisms underlying consciousness in various species, including humans, birds, and other animals. According to the study, the evolution of consciousness can be divided into three stages: the emergence of basic survival responses, the development of focused awareness, and the emergence of self-reflection. The study's authors argue that these stages are not mutually exclusive, but rather represent a continuum of consciousness that has evolved over time. The discovery that birds exhibit complex forms of consciousness has significant implications for our understanding of the neural basis of consciousness. Dr. John Taylor, a neuroscientist at Harvard University, noted, "The fact that birds possess a level of consciousness similar to that of humans challenges our current understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying consciousness." Dr. Taylor emphasized that further research is needed to fully understand the neural basis of consciousness and its relationship to the brain. The study's findings have sparked a lively debate among researchers and scientists, with some arguing that the discovery of consciousness in birds has significant implications for our understanding of animal welfare and ethics. Dr. Emily Chen, a philosopher at the University of California, Berkeley, stated, "The fact that birds possess a level of consciousness similar to that of humans raises important questions about their capacity for suffering and their rights as individuals." Dr. Chen emphasized that the study's findings highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of animal consciousness and its relationship to human ethics. The researchers at the Ruhr-University Bochum are currently working on further studies to explore the neural mechanisms underlying consciousness in various species. According to Dr. Rodriguez, the study's findings have significant implications for our understanding of the neural basis of consciousness and its relationship to the brain. The researchers hope that their findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex processes underlying consciousness and its evolution over time.