Human beings

Human beings are a species of bipedal primates in the family Hominidae. They are characterized by their high level of intelligence, complex society, and ability to create and use complex tools.

Anatomy and Physiology

Human beings have a highly developed brain, capable of abstract reasoning, language, introspection, and problem solving. This mental capability, combined with an erect body carriage that frees the hands for manipulating objects, has allowed humans to make far greater use of tools than any other living species on Earth.

Brain

The human brain is the main organ of the human nervous system. It is located in the head, protected by the skull. It has the same general structure as the brains of other mammals, but is larger than expected on the basis of body size among other primates.

Body Structure

Humans are bipedal, with an upright stance. The erect posture of humans frees the arms for manipulating objects using the hands, aided by opposable thumbs.

Society and Culture

Human beings are social animals. They create complex social structures composed of many cooperating and competing groups, from families and kinship networks to political states. Social interactions between humans have established an extremely wide variety of values, social norms, and rituals, which together form the basis of human society.

Language

Language is central to the communication between humans, and to the sense of identity that unites nations, cultures and ethnic groups. The invention of writing systems at least 5,000 years ago allowed the preservation of language on material objects, and was a major technological advancement.

Evolution

The evolution of humans is characterized by a number of morphological, developmental, physiological, and behavioral changes that have taken place since the split between the last common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees.

See Also

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Society
• Culture
• Evolution

References

Human beings Resources
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