When you encounter animals, do you wonder what they're thinking? Seeing a newborn lamb or a cute puppy might arouse happy emotions (情感) in us, but what are they thinking? Does the look on their face and how they behave indicate how they're feeling - or are they feeling nothing at all?
Humans have a complex range of feelings, but it's hard to tell what's going on inside the heads of animals. Some of us own dogs because they are good companions, are loyal and seem to connect with us. We might even think they love us. Professor Kim Bard, an expert in comparative developmental psychology from the University of Portsmouth, told the BBC: "We have a few studies now that actually show scientifically that some dogs will respond when their owner - but not a stranger - pretends to cry." The empathetic ability of cats, however, is harder to work out.
Other non-domesticated (非驯养的) animals might have feelings too. Giraffes and whales, for example, are known to experience sadness when someone in their group dies. It's believed that even tiny creatures like insects might have emotions as well. Research is beginning to show they experience a wide range of feelings. Kim says "they can be optimistic, pessimistic, or frightened, and respond to pain just like any mammal would."
Dr Barbara J King, Emerita Professor of Anthropology at the College of William and Mary, told the BBC: "If we understand the profound depths of emotions animals can feel, this should make us question the existence of zoos and slaughterhouses (屠宰场) around the world, and rethink those systems. It does seem all creatures feel emotion, but what is not clear is do they feel the same way as us?"
