Good point, but then what is the difference between a species and a breed or a type or a hereditary kind, and how are species produced in nature?
One could argue that history is a powerful force for selection. The best slaves were not necessarily the smartest slaves.
Indeed. In fact they might have even been the dumbest slaves. Nikelodeon I don't know, are they? Are humans smarter than monkeys?
Chimps are more capable in some mental tasks than humans. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203094823.htm
You just, singlehandedly, cast a shadow of doubt over the entire 'Humans are smarter than animals' myth.
Yes, the classification system is outdated. Chimps, gorillas, and bonobos should properly all be called hominids.