As I was reading various articles about the mirror test for self-awareness that’s supposed to prove human superiority (click here for one such article), I couldn’t help thinking about termites. Specifically, I was thinking about an African species called the bellicose termite. They build huge mounds that include chambers in which they eliminate their poorly digested waste. There the waste is processed by a species of fungus they cultivate which converts the waste to more food for the termites. Because the fungus gardens produce a lot of heat and because the fungus grows best within the 30-31 degree C range, the termite mounds also include a very effective, highly energy-efficient climate control system. Moreover, the termites adapt their structures to the soil type and environmental conditions where they build. Some of these may be 20’ tall and have a “cellar” 6’ down, 10-12’ in diameter and 2’ high.
I imagine two of these termites discussing the relative intelligence of humans. One of them, Egomite, believes that termites are the most superior species. The other, Naturmite, views them as part of a greater whole.
“I think humans are lower life-forms,” argues Egomite.
“I’m not saying they’re not,” replies Naturmite. “But just because they’re lower life forms doesn’t mean they can’t be self-aware like we are.”
“I’ll prove it,” counters his pal. “We’ll give them a test.”
“What kind of a test?”
“Well, I think anyone who is self-aware should be able to build a climate controlled building with an equally energy-efficient waste-retrieval system that can be adapted to a variety of different ground conditions,” replies Egomite after some thought.
“I’m sure there are humans who could do that,” declares Naturmite confidently.
“That’s only the first part of the test,” continues the termite champion. “Taking into account how much bigger they are, their building should be at least a mile high to be comparable to one of our mounds. And, of course, they can’t use any tools.”
“Now, wait a minute! That’s not fair! ” blusters Naturmite. “You know they can’t do that given their lack of communication skills and other limitations!”
“I rest my case,” proclaims Egomite smugly.
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