Cognitive abilities:
* Complex language and symbolic thought: Humans have a highly developed language system that allows for abstract thought, complex communication, and the transmission of cultural knowledge.
* Advanced problem-solving: Humans are skilled at solving problems, both concrete and abstract, through reasoning, planning, and tool use.
* Self-awareness and consciousness: Humans have a strong sense of self and are aware of their own existence and mortality.
* Culture and technology: Humans create and participate in complex cultures, develop sophisticated technologies, and transmit knowledge across generations.
Physical features:
* Bipedalism: Humans are the only mammals that walk upright on two legs. This frees up our hands for tool use and manipulation.
* Opposable thumbs: Our hands have thumbs that can be opposed to the other fingers, giving us precise grasping and manipulation capabilities.
* Large brains: Humans have relatively large brains compared to their body size, allowing for advanced cognitive function.
Social behavior:
* Complex social structures: Humans live in complex societies with intricate social hierarchies, roles, and relationships.
* Cooperation and altruism: Humans are highly cooperative and often engage in altruistic behavior, helping others even when it might not directly benefit them.
It's important to note that some of these features are present in other mammals to a lesser degree. For example, chimpanzees use tools and have rudimentary language skills. However, the degree to which humans possess these features is unmatched in any other species.
Ultimately, it's the combination of these features that makes humans unique and sets us apart from other mammals.