I don’t mean this as an insult, simply an example of what it looks like when you remain confined within your mindscape (read human “Ego”).
Have you thought about microorganisms and how they created the most unique geology and minerals to be found in the universe? Why don’t they count? Plus like Write points out, lots of animals living from various kingdoms do in coordinated groups.
Of course, none in the style, or the level of self-aware intellect that humans possess, but very effective nonetheless. But that’s a different matter.
It’s all so much more complicated and interwoven, than any of our traditional conceptions can embrace.
Here’s a brand new book, I’m only towards the end of chapter two, but it starts out excellent, and I believe it’ll continue being an excellent distillation of modern biological and evolutionary findings - and how they demand that we reexamine our simplistic assumptions.
“Becoming Earth”
by Ferris Jabr
ISBN: 9780593133972
no offense intended 