Why does the human animal try to adapt its surroundings to suit its needs whereas all other animals adapt themselves to their surroundings?
by 
Mrs.mezzo is a Wagnerian soprano
ANSWERS: 6
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Because humans have a greater sense of self awareness than most other animals. Of every living thing on this planet, humans are the only ones who can think in terms of philosophy, and look at themselves objectively as a "Self". Adaptation is meant to be a primal, ingrained reaction, but we humans are more aware of our objective "Selves", and it's difficult to change something when you're that aware of it. Also, humans must all, on some level, enjoy the power rush of taking other things in the world, understanding them and changing them, it's part of our inquisitive nature as primates.
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That is the way we were created, to use the resources of the earth. It is also one of the reasons we are most sucessful, in that we can live in a variety of places, whereas most animals have limited ranges.
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Because we can.
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Not generally true - birds ands insects build nests, termites mounds, beavers flood valleys etc. But you could say that "altering the environment" is the human species "special trick". Cheetahs run fast, elephants are massive, bees gather honey, humans adapt the environment.
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Very good question. We have been blessed with brains capable of imagining, dreaming and creating. Our view of 'survival goes beyond meeting basic needs. A successful raccoon is one that lives to a ripe old age never going without food or shelter. If that's how humans defined success, we'd need a very different type of brain.
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It's not necessarily true. Other animals do modify their surroundings to suit their needs. The beaver might just be the perfect example for this as they alter the flow of a brook in order to secure themselves.
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