- NEW!
by Chosun One on March 16th, 2007
No one can dispute us. Animals cant talk, aliens wont stay here long enough to debate.
by mac1896 on March 16th, 2007
I'm not so sure that we actually are. You don't see apes killing each other over oil or religions.
by science_geek on March 16th, 2007
It comes down to level of complexity. Our brains have a higher ratio of neurons to body mass than any other species with the possible exception of some Cetations (Whales, Dolphins etc.)
by forsaken1111 on March 16th, 2007
"To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
Humans have values animals cannot comprehend of. They may have some vague perception of love, duty, honor and loyalty but to them these are biological drives, not willful choices.
An animal cannot refuse to reproduce due to its own illness as an AIDS victim can. An animal cannot sacrifice itself for a greater cause, as a soldier throws himself on a grenade to save his squad. An animal cannot reach beyond its own inborn genetic 'programming'. Cannot take actions, for good or ill, that are not specifically useful for survival and procreation.
We think, we reason, we comprehend, we communicate, we seek, we dream, we dare to hope. We have Art, Social Sciences, Physics, Mathmatics.
We preserve that which came before us out of a sense of posterity and reverence. We attempt, in our way, to be at peace with our existance. In fact we recognize our own existance, which most animals cannot.
A mole does not think, "I am a mole!" it simply exists as it is. It does not wonder where it came from. It does not wonder where it goes. It does not ask if its tunneling will destabilize a hillside, causing problems for animals down the hill.
This is why we are intelligent and they are not.
by branciforte3241 on March 16th, 2007
We use symbols to communicate complex thoughts over great distances. We are capable of abstract and lateral thinking. We can solve problems before we actually encounter them. We can imagine things that have never actually happened, yet. We can predict the future. We have a code of ethics. But the main thing that makes us "intelligent" is our ability to lie.
by 23Skidoo on May 11th, 2008
We invented all the stuff. Computers, culture, language... you know.
by M Moon on August 13th, 2007
We are the ONLY species with 'abstract thought.'
I don't believe an elephant 'thinks' whether it can be pink or not! [Like in 'Don't think of a Pink Elephant!']
by H on July 3rd, 2007
I would argue its to do with our ability for language and communication. I know other animals do have sophisticated methods of communication too, but as far as I know none of them have ever manipulated it to great degrees. Except in a few small speices where scientists are actively observing them passing down traits such as uses of a tool, etc, through language and communication.
by Magenta on July 3rd, 2007
Because we deem ourselves to be so.
by iwnit on June 30th, 2007
- we cannot define intelligence outside from an anthropomorphic context. If we could, it could be that we would not be any more the most intelligent
- we even have some big difficulties to compare people to each other based on intelligence
- of course, there are also big individual variations in intelligence
- we are unable to establish a strong communication with animals
- we did some big mistakes in our actions against other humans and against the rest of the ecosphere, so it is not so sure that we could be considered as so intelligent
- there are some species which we do not know at all or just very little and which could be more intelligent, even plants!
- a big proof of the intelligence of the aliens is that they did not try to stay in contact with us...
by jin jang on June 30th, 2007
We are the only species with an ego,and therefore mistakenly think we are the most intelligent species.If we are so smart why don't we have wings to fly,or gills to swim underwater like fish.Other animals use their intelligence in a different way.We are the only species that kill each other for no reason.We destroy our habitat,pollute,etc.We can invent things to modernize the world which other animals can't,but does that make us more intelligent,I would say not.
by ...trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. on June 30th, 2007
I believe that it is because the Lord made us above the other species and that He gave us eternal souls which they do not have. I hope that this helps.
-In the service of the Master.
Thank you and God bless you!
by Engeltje on March 28th, 2007
Our brain is much more developed tan any other species. We have a language section in the brain not found in other species.
by Kyogre-Stataen on March 24th, 2007
We are probably the only ones to delevop the technology and conflicts that other species may not have today.
by Empress of Everything Ever on March 23rd, 2007
Us humans claim to be the most intelligent because we say we are.
Trouble is, we are too stupid to effectively communicate with the other species on this planet for it to really stick. Yeah, we can make a dog sit and stay, but who is comminicating with who...we teach the dog our language and body language, but we never really learn theirs or try all that hard.
by --angel_fire-- on March 23rd, 2007
Toilet paper.
'Nuff said.
by Anonymous on March 16th, 2007
Define intelligent. I'm not sure the dolphins would agree with you.
by Talimze on March 16th, 2007
Most commonly, you will hear talk of the fact that humans have a sophisticated language and most animals only have simple means of communicating. Yeah, it's true, but there's much more to it than that. And if I had the time or the inclination to explain it to you, I would...
by rockme on March 16th, 2007
Because humans rule the world and are at the top of the chain. Other animals are inferior in one aspect or the other and don't have to opportunity to set the standard on intelligence...
by nevets - badgicide on March 16th, 2007
Humans are the "intelligent" species since we are doing the testing of what is and is not "intelligent".
Other species are compared to our abilities/standards.
by PrettyPirate on March 16th, 2007
You know, sometimes I wonder that very same question myself. Especially after watching Funniest Home Video's.
by Scifisuz on August 13th, 2007
Our intelligence has not provided a way to discern more superior or perhaps different forms or unrecognized intelligence.
What if rocks are alive and we just can't tell?
by betony24.rei-chan on August 13th, 2007
We can actulaay go to school and learn and remember things that were taught to us for society later on. That is all I have to say. Hope it hepls.:)
by dogsrule0430 on March 16th, 2007
Because we've used our resourses and prior knowledge to create and find out new things that help us with anything and everything. Also because we have aposable thumbs.
Is Bush the missing final evolutionary answer?
by WABOO on December 8th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Is evolution a fact or theory?
by Speedstream75 on November 24th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Can anyone provide a brief summary of the evolution theory?
by Eddie Cairns on November 19th, 2011
| 5 people like this
Why is humanity the only species that "evolves"?
by bladecloudstar777 on December 11th, 2011
| 2 people like this
What is the degree of influence Hellenism [Greek thought]had on the Evolution Theory and on Christendom? Both have succeeded to confuse most
by TrueSeeker on November 30th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
You're reading Why are humans the "intelligent" species compared to others?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments
lol. Good point.
by unknown on March 16th, 2007