I see it presumptions to deny plants and animals possession of consciousness. Consciousness comes in many forms and levels. For me, ability to think and communicate those thoughts require a significant level of consciousness. Both plants and animals possess this consciousness. We may imply an inherent nature of Source to be consciousness. All created things come forth from Source, therefore logic implies some degree of consciousness in all created things, even rocks, although inanimate as they are, we cannot see evidence of the presence of consciousness.