“Inside Our Heads”
Overview
The first article, titled “Inside Our Heads: Two Key Features Created the Human Mind,” is written by T. Suddendorf. It explores how human mental abilities influence human supremacy over other animals on Earth. Studies on how humans differ from other animal species in their capacity or proclivity to understand complex events and communicate thoughts to others are discussed. The article is written in clear language and provides scientific facts and evidence. This work can be considered a good and reliable paper.
Summary
Human intelligence has played a crucial role in human supremacy over other species, characterized by high cognitive abilities, linguistic skills, and technological innovation. Since humans possess a unique blend of intelligence and creativity, they have been able to invent complex tools and technologies, as well as communicate and collaborate in ways that no other species can match. For example, the capacity of humans to utilize language to convey information and coordinate activities has been critical to effective group collaboration (Suddendorf, 2018). It has enabled humans to build sophisticated civilizations with complicated hierarchies, laws, and conventions, giving us remarkable organizational and coordination abilities.
The article also discusses individual species and their abilities. Thus, even though, relative to body weight, the brain of birds is much smaller than that of mammals, it contains many nerve cells. Scientists have demonstrated that birds can maintain a high number of brain cells, which enables some birds to possess impressive cognitive abilities. Bird neurons consume three times less energy than mammalian neurons.
However, the author does not consider the significant potential of the avian brain or its similarity to that of the human brain. The human brain accounts for only about 2% of our body weight, yet it consumes 20-25% of the body’s total energy, making it the most energy-intensive organ (Suddendorf, 2018). In all mammals, the energy balance of neurons imposes evolutionary constraints on brain size.
Limitations
Despite the article’s numerous positive aspects, some shortcomings impact the overall quality and outcome of the work. Firstly, the disadvantage is that the functions proposed by the author, such as mental time travel, are not exclusive to the human brain. Some research suggests that many animals can also reproduce similar brain abilities, such as symbol creation and mental travel (Laland & Seed, 2021).
Thus, the author’s assumption is incorrect, which significantly compromises the objectivity and accuracy of the entire work. Gliding behavior is characteristic of many bird species, a trait that Suddendorf also attributes to a unique human feature (Laland & Seed, 2021). Thus, inaccuracies in determining the capabilities of the human brain in comparison to those of animals cast doubt on many of the scientists’ achievements.
Conclusions
As a result, although this piece provides food for thought, it also delivers much knowledge. Through technological innovation, high cognitive capacities, and the capacity to collaborate and communicate effectively, humans have had a significant impact on the world and other animals. This has enabled people to dominate and modify the environment to meet their wants and aspirations, often at the price of other species and the planet’s health. While humans have evolved many great talents, they are also responsible for using them properly and caring for the well-being of other species and the Earth as a whole. Humans should strive to live in harmony with the environment and other living beings, rather than considering themselves superior to them.
“How Humans Become a New Sort of Animal”
Overview
The second piece is headed “How humans become a new sort of Animal: An evolutionary uniqueness,” authored by K. Laland. The article presents studies that support the uniqueness of Homo sapiens among hominins. Topics covered include the human ability to collect and transmit information to other members of its species, as well as the influence of ancestors on the social environment and the formation of subsequent generations. This article has profound relevance to the field of human ability studies. The article provides reliable data and credible sources, which lend credibility to its findings.
Summary
Homo sapiens, or modern humans, are distinct among hominins, which comprise all extinct and existing human species. Despite the existence of numerous other hominin species, such as Neanderthals, Homo erectus, and Australopithecus, only Homo sapiens has persisted and established a global footprint. One of the fundamental differences between Homo sapiens and other hominins is their extraordinary cognitive ability (Laland, 2018). Humans have the largest brain in proportion to body size of any ape, which has allowed them to develop sophisticated language, abstract reasoning, and excellent problem-solving abilities. These cognitive talents have enabled humanity to reach the pinnacle of the food chain by facilitating the development of complex social structures, art, music, and technological breakthroughs.
Another distinguishing attribute of Homo sapiens is their capacity to travel and move large distances. While other hominins were capable of long-distance migration, Homo sapiens successfully colonized all continents and adapted to a diverse range of environments, from the Arctic tundra to tropical rainforests. Since humans can travel and adapt, we have thrived in various locations and live in changing situations.
Ultimately, Homo sapiens is exceptional in its ability to transmit culture and accumulate knowledge across generations (Laland, 2018). Humans have developed sophisticated communities and civilizations that enable us to preserve and disseminate information, as well as utilize our ancestors’ discoveries and creations. These attributes have allowed humans to become the dominant species on the planet, shaping the world around us in ways that no other species has been able to do.
Limitations
The article is well-written, but not entirely free from shortcomings that ultimately affect the meaning of the work. In his work, the author places great emphasis on the uniqueness and differences between individuals as a distinctive feature of this species. However, originality is not a unique feature of humans, as many animal species also exhibit differences in their intraspecific traits (Takola & Schielzeth, 2022). Animals do not possess aspects such as culture or traditions, but they do have their own unique communication styles and methods of information transmission. The article could be more detailed on why a person is unique and different.
Another important aspect that hinders the appreciation of this work is the author’s focus on people’s evolutionary past, without considering recent or current events. This aspect significantly limits the scientific potential of the article. Assumptions and predictions regarding future evolutionary possibilities could greatly expand the data accumulated by scientists. The study of how evolution can continue to shape biological and cultural features is a significant topic that needs to be explored within the framework of this work.
Conclusions
The author of this essay has correctly presented all of the preceding topics. Much evidence has shown that homo sapiens is a distinct species due to its exceptional cognitive capacities, complex civilizations, technological innovation, worldwide presence, and the ability for self-awareness and introspection. These traits have allowed humans to emerge as the planet’s leading species and shape the world in ways unmatched by any other species. The article’s overarching subject was how people receive and share information with others. As a result, people may learn and adapt from the experiences of their forefathers, making them intelligent beings.
References
Laland, K. (2018). How we became a different kind of animal: An evolved uniqueness. Scientific American, 319(3), 32-39. Web.
Laland, K., & Seed, A. (2021). Understanding human cognitive uniqueness. Annual Review of Psychology, 72, 689-716. Web.
Suddendorf, T. (2018). Inside our heads: Two key features created the human mind. Scientific American, 319(3), 42-47. Web.
Takola, E., & Schielzeth, H. (2022). Hutchinson’s ecological niche for individuals. Biology & Philosophy, 37(4), 25. Web.