0 years
Corvus corax
Tool user, vocal mimic, social learner, and solver of multi-step puzzles.
Corvids possess exceptional problem-solving abilities, vocal learning, tool use, and social learning — all prerequisites for civilization.
Evolutionary Stages
15 million years
Terravus builder
Flightless, longer legs, grasping forelimbs, and retained beak tool use. Ground-dwelling evolution changes the equation.