• Question: What characteristics make us humans?

    Asked by Júlia to Eoin, Ester, Ildiko, Natasha, Paul, Tom on 6 Nov 2017. This question was also asked by Júlia.
    • Photo: Natasha Myhill

      Natasha Myhill answered on 6 Nov 2017:

      Interesting question. Physically, we are far more developed than other species. We walk on two feet rather than four, have opposable thumbs, large heads, hair – this list goes on! But on the other side, there is our ability to process and use different emotions, make decisions based on morality and communicate with each other in a really detailed way.

    • Photo: Ildiko Somorjai

      Ildiko Somorjai answered on 13 Nov 2017:

      besides opposable thumbs, our enormous brains are pretty special. But most organisms are well adapted to their environments and even simple seeming ones are that way for a reason-it can be that they are ¨perfect¨ in their own habitat. I think that one of the key things about humans is our ability to learn, be self-aware and associated culture (which have a lot to do with our brains).

    • Photo: Paul McKeegan

      Paul McKeegan answered on 14 Nov 2017:

      Another cool characteristic is that we long ago stopped adapting to the environment, and instead adapt the environment to our needs. We built homes, farmed for food, started taking on different jobs within a community and now we live in all sorts of inhospitable places!

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