Neuroscientists typically ascribe consciousness and abstract thought to the cerebral cortex, which evolved later in human evolution and wraps around the brain's outer layer in folded gray matter.

These regions are involved in other high-level cognitive functions and are important for abstract thought and long-term representations of the future.

Studies show ravens are intelligent and capable of abstract thought.

“My parents were educated White Northerners with an affection for abstract thought,” Harley says.

“And the parts of the brain that deal with complex functions like abstract thought, working memory, creativity and socializing will be inhibited.”