reply to post by underspace
Same reason neanderthals were less intelligent than mankind, but still able to do everything mankind could.
There is a fuzzy area in intelligence, were we can learn and use things, even though we have no idea how they work and may even be biologically
incapable of ever understanding them.
For example, an Ape could never learn language. He has no vocal chords to do so. But he can be taught sign language, something that only a mind better
than its could create, but not something so terribly advanced that it cannot understand it.
Simply put, there are things that we may not even be biologically able to comprehend nor see nor experience, but can learn from others whom can
biologically create it, learn it, and experience it.
And above all, this hypothetical space whale may be able to bend space time and create art, but that is no guarantee it actually has a conscious, nor
an ability to innovate and create. Evolution does not follow any set pattern, nor does any one trait have to evolve with another one. Crows, for
example, have evolved better than primate-level intelligence for tool use. But they have absolutely no ability to have complex emotional relationships
like we do.
edit on 31-8-2011 by Gorman91 because: le spelling
edit on 31-8-2011 by Gorman91 because: le spelling