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102 Appendix Anthropoid
features in the Animal World (Characteristics
Humans share with other Creatures) In speaking
of features or
characteristics one is
not only thinking
of physical form and
mental abilities, but
also such things
as instincts, habits,
habitat, organisation, activities and life
span. There are
many such things
which humans share
with other creatures,
but not with anthropoid
apes. A selection are listed below. Ants - some march
in column, some
farm fungi, some store
crops, some keep cows (aphids) and some keep
slaves. Then there
are some that
work in wood
(carpenters) and others that
work in clay (masons). Together
with Homo Sapiens, ants are
one of the few animal groups that
modify their surroundings
to suit their
needs. Bees - these
manufacture honey from nectar. Spiders - one makes a
raft that will float on water and another makes a trap door. Octopuses - these
invertebrates have highly developed eyes.
In the matter of blushing they redden by means of a nervous reaction
like a human rather than apes. Frilled Lizard - this can
rise on to its hind legs and run. Birds - many can
sing though apes
do not, some
can weave (the
Weaver bird), some
can sew (the Tailor
bird), one at
least can paint
(the Bower bird)
and some birds
give gifts of no
utility value to
their intended mate.
Further, Sparrows can be
found all over the habitable world, whereas apes are largely confined to the tropics. Hyenas and the Kookabarra - these are credited with laughter. Parrots and Myna
Birds
- these can imitate human words. Birds such as cranes - these can
dance. Penguins - these are
upright and at a distance can look like soldiers. Elephants - these like
mankind can kneel
with their feet
projecting backwards. The Indian variety,
can do repetitive work like stacking logs.
Elephants have long
memories and use tools
other than for feeding as
well as bury their dead.
Elephants, as do dolphins and
humans, employ midwives
at the birth
of their offspring. Unlike
primates elephants do not eat the after birth (placenta). Elephants
reach maturity at
about the same time
as humans, whereas
primates mature somewhat
earlier. Elephants have been
known to sob and shed tears. Elephants
are able to make drawings of sorts. Like humans elephants enjoy playing in
the water. Elephants have been taught
to play a jumbo version of football. Beavers - these
engage in engineering works. Asses - their milk
is closest to that of mankind. Pandas - these eat
in a similar way to mankind. Whales - these will
support sick relatives. Pigs - their skin
reactions are similar
to humans, and
the specific gravity
of their blood, like
the hare, is
similar to ours.
Pigs hearts are the right size for
transplants and their physiology is similar to that of humans. |