What is peculiar to man and animal: similarities and differences

Man - a typical representative of the kingdom of animals. It is characterized by certain features of the structure, a systematic position and features of life. In this article, we will examine what is inherent in both man and animal, and what traits essentially distinguish them.

The position of man in the system of organic peace

Even in the Middle Ages, scientists dared to believe that man belongs to the animal world. The further development of evolutionary ideas about the development of all living things only confirmed this assumption. At present, people are referred to the biological species Homo sapiens. The common ancestor of man lived about 130 thousand years ago and as a result of development of labor activity and primary forms of society gave rise to a modern form.

Animal Needs

The biological needs of animals determine the characteristics of their structure. These include the presence of oxygen, nutrients, a certain amount of water. This makes it possible to exercise nutrition, aerobic respiration, active movement and metabolism. All animals also need rest and sleep. The main sign that determines the belonging of the organism to this kingdom is a heterotrophic way of feeding. Animals are able to consume only ready organic substances. Unlike plants, which can synthesize them themselves. Animals and humans grow only a certain period of time.

Animals of different habitats are adapted to certain conditions. For example, moles need less sunlight than land inhabitants. A bats for orientation in the dark use echolocation. Therefore, the need for lighting is significantly reduced.

What is peculiar to man and animal

What signs are related to all representatives of the animal world, including humans? This chemical composition, cellular structure, a similar structure of organs and their systems, embryonic development. In many respects the features of behavior are similar. This causes a high level of development of the brain, which is typical of man and animal, in particular, primates. At the same time, the developed occipital part determines the development of the visual sensory system. This greatly increases the ability to work. And the development of the frontal lobes determines the mental activity.

Both man and animals already have a system of congenital reflexes since birth. These include respiratory, protective, grasping, sucking, blinking, and others. From the first minute of birth, they make it possible to carry out vital processes and the existence of species as a whole.

Instinct: examples and meaning

The system of congenital reflexes, which forms the whole system of behavior, is called instinct. Their presence is a common feature both for animals and for humans. Instincts are an innate property of their nervous system. Certainly, many skills are acquired from older generations. However, most instincts are inherent from birth. Seasonal flight of birds, construction of a dam by a beaver, creation of nests - all this is an instinct. These examples are quite numerous. Extraction of food, reproduction, the ability to self-preservation are typical behavior programs that ensure the viability of species from the first minutes of existence.

Absolutely all instincts are specific. They are fixed in the genotype, so do not depend on the acquired experience and habitat. For man, they are also the basis of behavior. Agree, the struggle for existence occurs in a pack of wolves, and in a working collective.

Man as a biosocial being

However, in addition to the biological basis, man also has a social one, which distinguishes him from other animals. It is determined by life in society and subjection to its laws. Man is able to control his innate instincts. So, the idea of creating a family and, in most cases, a monogamous relationship is at the heart of the continuation of the family . Man is also distinguished by abstract thinking, conscious actions, the ability to create a new habitat. Another feature is articulate speech. Man does not just make sounds, but does it sensibly, expressing his thoughts. The type of Homo sapiens is also capable of working. In this regard, its representatives have a number of structural features. For example, the thumb of the brush is opposed to the rest.

So, in this article we have examined what is peculiar to man and animal. Common features are the chemical composition of cells, the ability to heterotrophic nutrition, the unity of physiological processes. The behavior of man and animals determines unconditioned reflexes. They ensure their vitality immediately after birth. A common feature is the presence of complex behavior programs - instincts.