Random Shower Thought - How Does Matter Give Rise To Consciousness?

Consciousness may be the most precious thing in the universe. It is the source of joy and sorrow. It is what makes the people you love worth loving. It is the boundary between life and death... Everything and everyone we care about is given substance by consciousness. It is the carrier of all value. If the universe was destroyed it would not matter... if there was no one there to perceive it.

What about ants, do they have a low level of consciousness? What about dogs? They sure seem to think for themselves and have feelings such as joy, anger or guilt... are they aware of who they are or what is funny and what is ironic? What about us... are there higher forms of consciousness than ours? If so, what new insights and emotions might a higher form of consciousness be capable of experiencing?

It is possible to have a body without consciousness... but is it possible to have consciousness without a body? Is consciousness even tied to a body of flesh and blood or can it occur in a digital mind as well?

But what gives rise to consciousness? How is it possible that consciousness arises from constellations of atoms? 

Could consciousness give life and personality to lifeless objects such as robots or is complex, organic chemistry required?