Yes there is a continuum.
I guess part of the difficulty is we are looking at it from our way of perceiving, some of the more intelligent creatures (like octopuses) may have a radically different model of reality and thought.
As for the suicide question, I see that as more of a learned helplessness and giving up, rather than animals actively killing themselves.
I suspect the question of consciousness is so difficult and bound up with our projections and expectations as to be unanswerable.
(
FeralCatMan Unusual disease collector., Mon 17 Jun 2024, 12:07,
Reply)
Given that, apparently, communications between humans whose IQ's differ by more than about two standard deviations can be difficult, is it any wonder that empathising with other creatures might be a a tad problematic?
TLDR: I can't fucking stand dealing with retards.
(, Wed 19 Jun 2024, 10:12, Reply)