Humans are different from animals in several ways, and these differences are what make humanity unique. Some of the key distinctions include:
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Cognitive Abilities: Humans have advanced cognitive abilities, including complex reasoning, the use of complex language, the ability to solve difficult problems, and introspection. These cognitive capacities are highly developed in humans and set them apart from other animals.
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Shared Intentionality: Shared intentionality is an evolutionary adaptation unique to humans. This concept refers to the ability to share goals and intentions with others, and it is considered a minute difference with momentous consequences that distinguishes humans from other species.
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Population Size and Global Impact: The density of human populations far exceeds what would be typical for an animal of our size. Humans live across an extraordinary geographical range and control unprecedented flows of energy and matter, leading to a global impact that is beyond question.
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Innovation and Technology: Humans employ huge amounts of knowledge and technology, and they have a large and varied tool-kit that is used to survive in almost all terrestrial territories of the globe. This extensive use of innovation and technology sets humans apart from other animals.
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Culture and Accumulation of Knowledge: Humans accumulate culture, and their ability to innovate, accumulate knowledge, and pass it down through generations has helped the human race to succeed and outbreed other mammals of a similar size.
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Speech and Communication: Humans have the ability to communicate linguistically in a way that is strikingly different from other animals. The development of speech and language is a unique trait that sets humans apart.
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Extraordinary Brains: Without a doubt, the human trait that sets humans farthest apart from the animal kingdom is their extraordinary brain. The human brains overdeveloped cerebral cortex, which represents over 80% of our brain mass and contains around 100 billion neurons, is a defining feature that distinguishes humans from other animals.
In conclusion, the unique combination of advanced cognitive abilities, shared intentionality, population size, global impact, innovation, culture, speech, and extraordinary brains sets humans apart from other animals. These differences contribute to the exceptional nature of humanity.
