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The evolutionary biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky once said, ‘All species are unique, but humans are unique.’ What makes man unique from other animals? Are there special characteristics that are unique to us humans that separate us from other animals or their animal ancestors? We, humans, consider ourselves highly intelligent, innovative, and progressive. Are we really as unique as we think? Human origins began with primates, over a period of time humans underwent biological evolution and cultural development.
Traits such as bipedalism, larger brain size, tool usage, self-awareness, and symbolic behavior abstract thinking are said to set us apart from other non-human primates. In this essay, we will discuss two of these traits, bipedalism and abstract thought that make us humans unique. There are skeptics who disagree that only humans can walk bipedally, the chimpanzee can occasionally walk upright, and penguins and kangaroos are able to use two feet. Abstract thinking has been observed in our close relatives the chimpanzee, even dogs respond to commands and have an excellent memory. Hence do these traits set us apart from other animals? however, through evolution we Humans are said to have several unique biological, social, behavioral, and emotional traits such as bipedalism, using tools to make other tools, a large brain, and dexterous and abstract thinking. In order to understand the difference, we have to look at how we got here.
Early human fossils and archeological remains suggest that there were many different species of humans several million years ago. These species called hominins migrated into Asia around 2mya, then into Europe, and much later to the rest of the world. Although different branches of hominins died out, the branch leading to modern humans, Homo sapiens continued to evolve. We left trees started walking, and started living in groups, and our brains increased in size. We started producing superior cultural and technological artifacts, like tools that over a period of time became more intricate. We used symbols to communicate such as cave art, designing ornaments, and burying our dead. We eventually developed language to communicate and represent the world around us. Though Chimpanzees along with bonobos are the closest to humans genetically, the greatest difference that sets humans apart is the ability to make conscious intelligent decisions and create change in the world. Anthropologist Herman Ponzter claimed that “Walking upright on two legs is a defining feature that makes us human, It distinguishes our entire lineage from all other apes.” Bipedalism is the most pivotal primary physical and biological adaptation that distinguishes us, humans, from other animals.
Bipedalism, according to evidence from Africa was our first step on the road to becoming human. Bipedalism began several million years ago before the use of tools, or an increase in brain size, reinstating its importance for our survival. Climate change is the reason for this transition, as Africa became drier, huge rainforests were replaced by drier open Savannahs. This reasoning has been collaborated by paleoanthropologist Mary Leakey and her colleagues. Thus, walking upright with powerful strides would be advantageous for moving long distances for food and to escape from predators. An upright position would free the hands to carry offspring, food, and tools. Bipedalism was instrumental in the concept called male provisioning which enables males to carry food to females, thus increasing the birthrate as females could focus their attention on childbearing and rearing. Animals like chimpanzees and gorillas show facultative bipedalism, meaning they can occasionally walk upright, however, their stance is different with bent knees and hips, and they tend to look awkward. This is because their skeletons are not adapted for regular walking on two legs, unlike humans. According to Herman Ponzter’s theory walking upright saves energy and enabled our ancestors to efficiently forage for food. He proved this by conducting an experiment with chimpanzees who were trained to walk upright on a treadmill, which testified to the fact that humans were 75% more efficient than chimpanzees.
Abstract thought has formed the basis of innovation and creativity throughout human existence. Human beings think abstractly while other animals do not. Humans can think about God, death, the afterlife, literature, art, language, and numerous other abstract things. Animals do not have the ability to reason about intangible things they cannot see, touch or taste. Animals are adept at surviving at the moment, unlike humans who are able to think beyond the present. Humans have the extraordinary ability to anticipate the future and be prepared for all the things that will happen next. Humans have imagination and insight, the insight to figure out what others are thinking and their intentions, and the imagination to create from what nature gives us, not only for us but our future generations. Abstract thinking is the reason man has been able to develop intricate tools, language, art, culture, and unique social behavior. Abstract thinking is what helped in the invention and modification of tools. The invention of the hand axe which is an improvement on the basic pebble tools about 1.7 m.y.a is a good example. The handaxe is a multipurpose tool used for butchering and slicing of meat and plants for easy consumption.
Eventually, new tools, made of sticks, stones, and bones replaced the handaxe. However, extensive research by many scientists and researchers has identified the usage of tools by animals. The otter uses a rock to break open the shell of the abalone, and chimpanzees use a variety of tools selecting twigs and stripping its bark to probe the nests of termites and attract them to stick in order to eat them. Hence using tools are not unique to humans but using tools to make other tools is what distinguishes humans from animals. Animals use tools to adapt to their environment while Humans who have a curious questioning minds are constantly trying to adapt their environment to suit their needs. It is this curiosity of humans that has led to the development of advanced tools, technology, and science. Abstract thinking is the ability to think of ideas and objects and principles, not physically present. This gives us the ability to complex languages, supported by lowered larynx and brain structures. abstract thinking has a crucial role to play in allowing us as individuals—and as a species—to be imaginative and solve complex problems.
The human intellect is responsible for advancement in science and technology. Our constant technological innovations are the reason we fly in the air, communicate across the globe, and cure diseases. Humans have the ability to express themselves using symbols, colors, words, art, and artifacts. Our ancestors buried their dead as early as 100,000 years ago, showing the belief in the afterlife, used ornaments to reflect their identity, the created highly imaginative works of art. Humans while still considered animals are distinctly different from other animals. what is it that makes us humans? The study of human evolution has shown that humans have undergone both biological and cultural adaptations distinct from humans. humans are unique as they exhibit bipedalism, have a larger brain, smaller teeth, and lesser body hair, show a complex language structure, and abstract thinking, live in communities and engage in symbolic behavior. We exhibit distinct characteristics which separate us from other animals.
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