What are the features of modern man that differentiate him from other organisms included in the historical path of human evolution?
- Bipedalism: The ability to stand and walk upright on two feet is the defining feature of modern man and is a major factor in how our species has evolved.
- Larger Brain Size: Modern humans have much larger brains than any other organism in the historical path of human evolution. This larger brain size is associated with higher cognitive capabilities such as language and abstract thought.
- Tool Use: Modern man is the only species in the historical path of human evolution to have developed and used tools to manipulate the environment.
- Cultural Adaptability: Modern humans have a much higher capacity for cultural adaptation and innovation than other organisms in the historical path of human evolution. This is largely due to our greater brain size and capacity for abstract thought.
- Symbolic Communication: Modern humans are the only species in the historical path of human evolution to have developed symbolic language and communication. This is another factor in our species’ unique capacity for cultural adaptation and innovation.
