M

I am a new vegan. I chose to become vegan for health, moral, and environmental reasons. I understand that the main point of veganism is to "reduce suffering". What about shellfish, like clams and mussels? They have one of the most simple nervous systems, really just a digestive tract and muscle, no limbic system. I know scientists have verified that these organisms have nociceptors, which are pain receptors, but "pain" is one of many stimuli that are designed to elicit a defensive response. That doesn't necessarily equate to "suffering"...without a limbic system and emotional response, how could it? As compassionate as I am about other animals, I really just don't have a problem eating shellfish. Is there such a thing as a "vertebrate vegan"?