You Are An Animal

That may sound like a derogatory statement, but is it true?

Arguably, we are animals.

I have used the word arguably because some religions believe we are not part of the animal kingdom.

Some religions also believe that God gave humans power over animals, which may be true or untrue. But there is no mistaking that we use that power to farm many different species of animals for food and other products.

We have all heard the quotes “You are worse than an animal” and “You are acting like an animal,” but is it fair to say these things?

Most humans believe they are superior to animals. Humans use reason and logic to work things out; animals seem to behave more out of instinct.

We have technology that is not used by any other animal, and our communication skills are far more complex.

Considering the length of time animals have existed, humans are newcomers. Fossils and DNA suggest that anatomically modern Homo sapiens have existed for roughly 300,000 years.

The fate of a human being is the same as all other life on earth: we are born, we age, and eventually, we die. In this respect, we have no advantage over other animals.

It is estimated that primitive life was living on Earth 3.7 billion years ago.

Scientists can work out how much history life has by studying ancient rocks.

The first animals were sponges; some scientists believe they were living in the oceans about 800 million years ago. As you know, they still exist today.

So, what defines an animal?

Animals are multicellular, eukaryotic organisms in the biological kingdom Animalia. Most animals consume organic material and breathe oxygen.

They have specialized sense organs and nervous systems and can respond quickly to stimuli.

Yes, we are animals; we are part of a large group called mammals.

Our structure is very similar to that of other mammals, but our brain has evolved to be much more complex, providing us with intelligence, curiosity, and the ability to create and carry out science. That is what sets us apart from all other animals.

We are the most common and widespread species of primate with high intelligence.

Life on our magical planet will not last forever; the sun that has cherished life for so long will change. As time goes by, the sun will get hotter. It is highly unlikely that any life will exist on our planet in a billion years.

The surface of the earth will get so hot that all the life-giving water will boil and evaporate.

When all life comes to an end, humans might still exist if they have managed to colonize one of the moons in our solar system.

The end.

Do we need to be so cruel?

Has our cruelty to animals crossed the line?