Week Two: Human

Common Name: Human

Scientific Name: Homo sapiens

Domain: Eukaryota

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Primates

Family: Apes

Genus: Homo

Species: H. sapiens

 

Description: Humans are bipedal apes, with fine hair over most of their bodies. On the crown of the head and on the brow grows denser hair, used to block the rays of the sun. Like most apes they do not have tails, but do possess five-fingered hands with one finger jointed as a “thumb.” Humans walk vertically, with the head as the highest point and the hind set of feet—a set of apelike hands that have lost their ability to grip—as the lowest point.

Environment: Humans are found worldwide, and some individuals have even temporarily inhabited Antarctica. Humans are opportunistic and easily adapt to any new environment using tools. This species can be found in any biome.

Reproduction & Development: Humans reach maturity at around twelve to sixteen years of age. If the female has children, they will gestate for approximately forty weeks before being born. Single births are most common, but some females may give birth to two, three, or even more infants at one time. The average lifespan for a human is about eighty years of age, which has roughly doubled from its original estimate. Some humans can live for over one hundred years of age. Most human females cease being able to reproduce at around fifty years of age, though human males may continue for longer.

Nutrition: Humans are omnivores, and may eat fruit, vegetables, meat, and other animal products. Many fruits and vegetables are poisonous to the human, however. Humans are very opportunistic feeders, but their diets are self-restricted for unknown reasons.

Fun Fact: Humans are one of the most dangerous animals on earth. They even cause harm to themselves by willingly exposing themselves to or even ingesting toxins that they have created. Humans pose a severe threat to the environments they inhabit.