How Did Evolution Lead Humans To Become Earth’s Most Dominant Species?

A slow-moving process that brings about changes in species over time is called evolution. The theory of evolution explains the changes in organisms over the years, their relationship with their ancestors, similarities and differences with other species, and more. The fitter organisms that can successfully produce offspring in their existing environment and thrive with fitness survive with evolution.

This Story also Contains

1. A Brief History Of The Evolution Of Humans
2. How Is Evolution Of Humans Different From That Of Other Species?
3. How Did Humans Become The Dominant Species?

Natural selection favours organisms that are better adapted to the environment and have enhanced survival characteristics. Due to this process, if any organism or species fails to adapt to the changing environment, it will become endangered or eventually become extinct. The process of natural selection is the basis of evolution. More information on evolution and natural selection can be found in the Evolution chapter of Class 12 Biology.

A Brief History Of The Evolution Of Humans

The human species were not the first organisms on Earth since the beginning of life, but it evolved from a closely related ancestral species. Primates that are now extinct were mammals consisting of groups like apes, chimpanzees, lemurs, and more. These evolved slowly from being four-legged to walking upright on two legs.

The human tribe now existing on the planet is Hominins or Homo sapiens, but we have been preceded by other hominins like Australopithecus, Ardipithecus, and more. Knowing the history of the evolution of humans, one can draw theories on their evolution, eating habits, environment, and all the traits that changed with time.

How Is Evolution Of Humans Different From That Of Other Species?

Humans evolved differently from other species because they developed a range of characteristics over time. They were able to grasp the environmental changes quickly and thus adapt accordingly. Their genetic variation supported new abilities and enhanced human life.

Humans were the only species that were able to manipulate the environment with their activities and thus indirectly participate in the evolution of other species.

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How Did Humans Become The Dominant Species?

Humans are the central unit of nature’s biotic factors. They control the planet and have the power to influence almost all the phenomena occurring in the environment. A list of characteristics that make humans the most dominant species on the planet includes:

High Cognitive Abilities And Intelligence

Problem-solving, reasoning, decision-making, categorisation, and other such skills—make humans unique. They have enhanced capabilities to learn and devise solutions for their problems that other species cannot possibly do. Their high intelligence makes them capable of new discoveries and learning.

Strongest And Most Adaptable

Humans are capable of dominating other species as they have strong control over their mental and physical abilities. Using tools for survival or devising new tools to enhance their lives can be done only by humans.

Humans can sense environmental changes quickly and become adaptable to them too quickly. It is because they have access to the resources and modify them as per their needs. Humans can cooperate and socialise flexibly in large numbers, which is often not seen in many species.

Apex Predators

As strange as it may sound, humans can eat anything and everything as long as it is not harmful. The invention of fire from rubbing stones and cooking animals for meat was the greatest discovery that helped in survival. In extreme situations like the absence of regular food, natural calamities, and more, humans can use their intelligence and tools to kill other organisms and survive.

Control Over Other Species

The human species is the only one that can control the survival of other organisms. They use other organisms for various industrial and commercial purposes like food, clothes, scientific studies, medicinal use, and many more. Animals are even kept as pets or reared for recreational activities.

Humans also impact the environment through their activities, which is the habitat of all other organisms. History has it that humans have disturbed nature for as long as we exist, which has led to the extinction of many species.

Humans are the only species that use other species, whether plants, animals, or microbes, as per their needs and convenience. No other species has the power to control the human species or use it conveniently.

Progressive Mindset

Special abilities like having high emotions, communicating, researching new topics, questioning existent phenomena, producing vaccines and drugs, inventing better ways of living, and more are all exhibited by humans. The progressive mindset motivates them to improve their lives and perform various different things in a day, while other organisms usually exhibit just the basic living characteristics.

Undoubtedly, humans are the ruling species on the planet due to their power and intelligence, but they are also the species that has been disrupting Mother Nature. Recently, overpopulation resulting in overexploitation of the land and sources has deprived other organisms of their basic needs, leading to more endangered and extinct species. With all their unique abilities, humans must plan better ways to support their own as well as other species’ survival without harming the planet in the process.

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