The key to this question is almost
entirely in the
interpretation
of the
question: what does
advanced mean? What does '
advanced species' mean?
If we decide that to us, 'advanced' is defined in terms
of intelligence or self-awareness, we're in a 3-way tie with the dolphins and
chimps.
My interpretation of 'advanced species' is the probably the evolutionary one;
the species fittest to survive. Which humans do very well, and
often by killing off our closest competition.
By this definition, humans are the most "advanced
species", but it's nothing to be proud of.
"Advanced species" could also be interpreted as "closest (proportionally)
to the end of their existence as a species". In which case
it's unlikely to be us to take that honour. Unfortunately.
Additionally, the pedantic answer to the question, is "No, since Homo Sapiens is
not a species at all, but a subspecies." which is a useful diversionary tactic when you get bored listening to unfounded religious reasoning when debating the point with someone else.
Note, 2001 06 06
The purpose of this writeup was to point out the
subtleties in interpretation of the original
question, and present my (2¢ each) shots at
potential answers to specific interpretations.
Perhaps the fact that there's been so much
to-and-froing in this node may be a reflection
of this subtlety: half a dozen noders and as many
different shades of interpretation?
I do not disagree with Footprints' original
point (that most of the arguments put forward
on the topic are at best subjective and more
often than not in support of some personal agenda
or prejudice). Posting a neutral writeup in repsonse
to someone else's could easily be misinterpreted as
implicitly taking a contrary stance.
That said, Footprints' subsequent comments seem
touchy and reactionary, and ill thought-out.
'we evolve exponentially slower than bacteria' is one
fine example that should probably be sumbitted for the
Everything Quote Server ;-)
Now, feel free to downvote this for undue pomposity, but
for Pete's sake someone vote Templeton's insightful
and tactful wu back up again.