Are humans higher life forms than animals?

[Blue3]

I believe animals also have eternal souls, which will be treated by God the same way God treats children who die young.

[Blue3]

Nonhumans can understand human language, even if they can't speak it. Not just apes either, but also dogs and I believe dolphins, whales, and some parrots.

[Blue3]

Animals can't think and have no emotions.

Humans are superior.

Factually wrong.

Our cognitive differences with other animals is one of degree, not kind.

[Blue3]

Our ability to make tools and to figure out the physical world around us sets us apart from everything else, so yes, we are a superior form of life, but in no shape, manner, or form does that give the right to simply trample over nature because, despite our superiority, we are still part of and dependent on nature. We cannot exist without nature, but it surely can exist without us. The greater our power the greater is our obligation to restrain it, and to do that is the true mark of superiority.

You know that several other species, from apes to birds to octopuses to insects, have been document using tools, right?

Our difference from other species is one of degree, not kind.

Otherwise, I agree.

[Blue3]

Chimpanzees sharpen sticks they use as spears. Chimps and bonobos also refine sticks and use leaves for brushes when getting termites/ants/bees, as well as making "sponges" out of leaves and moss to bathe each other. Gorillas and orangutans use walking sticks to measure the depth of water, gorillas use special sticks to get inside some prickly fruits, and orangutans have been seen using nets to fish. Monkeys also use sticks and stone hammers, though don't seem to make them.

Elephants also use sticks, chew bark into balls and bury them with sand (to trap moisture and water in the hole, to drink when they return), and use rocks to damage electric fences so they can pass. Dolphins use sponges to protect their noses when searching for food, use conch shells to catch small fish. Sea otters, bears, canines, and octopuses have all been observed using tools, and even refining existing tool. As well as crows, ravens, ostriches, parrots, finches, vultures, seagulls, and other birds. Ravens have even been seen making "toys" by breaking sticks and using them to play with each other.  There's also very primitive tool use by some fish (to smash food) and the social insects.