ABSTRACT
Human beings are unique among the planet’s species. There is nothing quite like us. Our closest genetic relatives are great apes, but many might argue that we are far removed from them. Grossly speaking, we are different from other apes in our relatively large brain size and distinct brain topology, cranial properties, the presence of a chin, S-shaped spine, distinct dimensions of the pelvis, complete bipedalism, relative limb length, body shape and thorax, skull balanced upright on vertebral column, elongated thumb and shortened fingers, small canine teeth, reduced hair cover, long ontogeny and lifespan, advanced tool-making capabilities, and, most importantly in the context of this chapter, language (Carroll, 2003).
