Firstly why do you assume that “cognitive ability” is a universal evolutionary route?They are rare mainly because we have either eaten them or destroyed their habitat.
If we disapeared the planet would carry on and nature do it's thing, after all Earth is over 4 billion years old and first known species was 555 million years ago.
Maybe another species would evolve over time to a level of cognitive abilities as us, in fact some.scientist are now hypothisising weay not be the first civilasation to have evolved and lived here and one could have existed and been totally wiped out billions of years ago.
Life always finds a way
We’re a virus. The Earth would thrive without us.
Firstly why do you assume that “cognitive ability” is a universal evolutionary route?
all the evidence is that it is a unique fluke, shared by no other animal on the planet.
Secondly please provide one source for your bonkers notion that previous civilisations Ever existed billions of years ago.
as long as it waits for a few more years until weve seen city win back to back champions leagues (as we know you cant claim to be good unless you retain it)
Firsly I said something could (not will) evolve to have it just like we did, flukes can happen more than once.
Secondly google it I am not your secretary.