[Saurreg]

Interesting thread.

I think the dwarves were older than the ents. It was only after Aule created the seven fathers of the dwarves did Yavanna approach Manwe and asked for assurance for the protection of the trees. The dwarves were put into deep sleep but they were still alive.

I think the oldest creatures on Middle Eaeth aside from the Ainur and Maia (Balrogs were Maia weren't they?) were the creatures that Morgoth corrupted/created before the stars were made.

As for elves teaching Ents how to speak, I won't discount the possiblity that Ents were around longer than elves, but learned from them how to speak.