Research shows careful anthropomorphism helps us better understand animals for who they are—sentient beings—while the timeworn arguments of critics ignore what we actually know.

From laughing zebras to goofy grizzlies, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards celebrates 2016's funniest snaps of animals - and asks us to think about their future.

In her photo-filled essay, Cheryce Kramer considers anthropomorphic projection in Mr. Flach’s stunning and disconcerting studio photography of animals for Getty Images.