Chapter 8, End of Chapter, Think About It, Exercise 1

The evidence for the first argument is as follows:

• There is a similarity in the brain of humans and reptiles. The human brain is divided into three parts. One part, that is, the basal ganglia, is similar to the brain of reptiles, the second part, that is, the midbrain, is identical to the brain of mammals, and the last feature, that is, the prefrontal cortex, is distinctive to humans.
• There is also a similarity between the chemical functioning of animals and humans. The chemicals required for sustaining and controlling the mind and body are similar in humans and animals. For instance, dopamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, histamine, and serotonin can be found in both animals and humans.
• The biological inheritance of personality is common in both animals and humans. Humans have the appearance and behavioral patterns that are inherited across generations. Similarly, there is a biological inheritance among animals regarding behavioral tendencies and appearances.
• There is a crucial similarity between humans and animals in terms of the evolution process. Humans, as well as animals, are the outcomes of the evolution process. The species present in the environment exist because of survival through the evolution process, which has been occurring for millions of years.

The evidence for the second argument is as follows:

• Humans are led by impulses, intellect, and reasoning and can reason about certain things. Animals lack the ability to reason and are solely guided by their instincts.
• Animals walk on four legs and are quadrupedal. All animals, except for aquatic creatures and snakes, walk on four legs. Bipedal refers to the fact that humans walk on two legs. The size of an animal's brain is proportional to its size. For instance, the brain of a blue whale weighs 6.90 kilograms, whereas the brain of an earthworm weighs 170-180 micrometers. The average weight of the human brain weighs 1.2 kilograms.
• The significant distinction between humans and animals is their ability to imagine. Humans can alter the scenario and environment to suit their preferences. Animals, on the other hand, lack this ability to imagine, and as a result, are unable to change their surroundings.
• Animals eat only to stay alive and reproduce. They have not developed skills that are not strictly necessary for survival. Humans are known for their desire to learn more about their surroundings and influence and change them. Humans have developed superior tools, technology, and science as a result of their insatiable curiosity.