In the movie Hoppers, scientists “hop” human consciousness into animal-like robots to talk to other species. We asked the experts their thoughts on how conceivable the plot is.

Thousands of years ago, survival was a shared agreement between humans and animals. We offered shelter, food, and protection. In return, animals offered strength, companionship, labor, or food.

Why is it that a squirrel may calmly take food from a picnic table while a deer runs as if its life depends on it at the snap of a twig? For years, ecologists have asked whether animals always treat ...