Animal Life and Intelligence

A scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the nature of animal life and intelligence, delving into various aspects such as evolution, instincts, mental processes, and the biological differences between humans and animals. Morgan's goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how animal intelligence interconnects with life processes, emphasizing the impact of evolutionary principles. The opening of the text discusses fundamental characteristics of animals as perceived by a group of schoolboys, such as movement, growth, and reproduction. Morgan synthesizes their observations into a more scholarly analysis, outlining key attributes like breathing, sensitivity, and the various processes that define life. He emphasizes that understanding animal life requires a study of organic evolution and the intricacies of animal behavior, setting the stage for a detailed examination of complex biological functions throughout the subsequent chapters.