Definition
Basal Cognition
Basal Cognition is the study about the origins of the cognitive capacities of biological systems. Cognitive capacities have to origin from evolutionary processes and did not snap into existence from nowhere. Therefore, it should be observable in organisms.
Basal cognition also observes cognition on a spectrum rather than searching for an exact match of human cognition in order systems. Even rocks can be on that spectrum.
Slippery Slope
If everything is cognitive in some sense, what is the purpose of this terminology? Yes-no-answers are not helpful here, since everything has some sort of cognition. However, it can be viewed on a scale, which is empirically observable. 1