Tuesday, May 3, 2011

What makes us human?



How are humans different from any other species?

Humans belong to a species called homo sapiens. Physically, we are very similar to other species, we have eyes and nose, a torso and legs. Yet, we are so different from other species.

1. Humans have a humongous brain, the highest brain surface area to mass ratio in the animal kingdom, which technically makes us more intelligent.

2. Humans have the ability to process information and interpret them. Humans are the only species capable of learning through this method, not even rainbow monkeys can do it.

3. Humans make even the simplest of things complicated - how should we eat our food? Roasted or steamed? With garnishing or with extra flavourings?

4. Other species evolve to adapt to their environment, as humans, we change our environment to adapt to us - we bulldozed down trees and construct buildings instead.

5. Humans dare to step out of the norm and challenge existing rules of nature - we wanted to fly and now we can even fly to the moon and back. Ever heard of a dog trying to fly?

6. Humans do not always follow their natural instinct - our instinct tells us to run when staring at the face of danger, but for some reasons (for show of bravado, concern for fellow humans, etc) we do not.