Anthropologists agree with you. They often cite prehistoric burial rituals as a sign of an emerging human consciousness. But is a preoccupation with one's dead exclusively a human trait? New research shows that, when elephants are offered an array of objects and bones, they behave uniquely toward elephant skulls and ivory, suggesting the creatures may have a special affinity for their dead. Several documented instances have shown that elephants will linger, often in an agitated state around a dying or dead elephant, and there is anecdotal evidence that they will visit the bones of dead relatives. Does this mean elephants are close to making an evolutionary jump? The question is not unreasonable if you subscribe to the theory of evolution.
I highly doubt an apelike "Lucy" creature could comprehend the difference between good and evil. The evolution time line places these creatures at 2-3 million years ago. Logically, this puts the development of our higher brain function within the last million years and the ability to discern good from evil as very recent. As for our guesses, 100k or 350k years ago, in terms of evolution the difference is insignificant.
To be fair, MOST higher animals and essentially all mammals are "conscious".
The difference we're discussing here is "human consciousness", which isn't really anything special. All of the human emotions and worldviews. I would like to feel how certain animals feel and view the world (while still keeping my same cognitive ability). Mostly an emotional difference I would imagine.
The special thing is human "cognitive ability". Different from basic consciousness.
My Dog is conscious, but he doesn't have high cognitive ability (compared to a human). He knows that he himself exists, he knows where he is and he knows what he wants, but that's about it. He gets sad, mad, happy, scared, surprised, etc. However he doesn't have powerful cognitive abilities to communicate or solve problems.
He can point to a bag of biscuits with his nose over and over to tell me that he wants a biscuit, though. Same with the door and when he has to go out to pee or poo.
Chimps are also very smart and aware of the world, they can solve problems, communicate complex things, express themselves, etc.