The term “human” is a common descriptor for our species, yet it carries a rich history and profound biological significance. Understanding why we are called humans involves exploring the word’s linguistic journey and the unique biological and cognitive characteristics that define our species.
Unpacking the Word’s Origins
The word “human” entered Middle English from Old French (“humain” or “umain”), which derived from the Latin word humanus. Humanus means “of man” or “human.”
The lineage of humanus traces back to the Latin noun homo. This Latin homo is believed to come from the Proto-Indo-European root (dh)ghomon-, meaning “earthling” or “earthly being,” contrasting with deities. This connection to “earth” is also seen in the Hebrew word “adam,” meaning “man,” derived from “adamah,” meaning “ground.” The word’s evolution thus links our identity directly to the earth.
Our Scientific Name: Homo Sapiens
Our species holds a formal biological classification: Homo sapiens. Carl Linnaeus coined this name. This scientific designation places us within a structured framework of life.
The genus name, Homo, is Latin for “man” or “human.” The species epithet, sapiens, also Latin, means “wise” or “knowledgeable.” Homo sapiens therefore translates to “wise man” or “knowing man,” reflecting a defining characteristic of our species. This classification places Homo sapiens within the Hominidae family, which includes great apes like chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, highlighting our evolutionary connections.
Traits That Define Humanity
Our identity as Homo sapiens is underscored by a suite of distinct biological and cognitive traits. One foundational characteristic is bipedalism, the ability to walk upright on two legs, which evolved over four million years ago. This upright posture freed our hands, allowing for the development of tool-making and carrying capabilities, profoundly influencing our evolutionary path.
The human brain also stands out, being remarkably large and complex compared to other primates. Over the course of human evolution, brain size has tripled, enabling advanced cognitive skills like abstract thought, language, and self-awareness. The complex structure of the human brain, containing billions of neurons and trillions of connections, facilitates intricate processing and storage of information.
The capacity for complex language is another defining human trait, with evidence suggesting this ability was present at least 135,000 years ago, and social use of language emerging around 100,000 years ago. This linguistic ability, along with our large brains, underpins our sophisticated tool-making capabilities, which evolved from simple implements to complex technologies made from various materials.
Humans also exhibit highly complex social structures and cultural diversity, far exceeding those of other primates. These traits, including shared knowledge, cooperative breeding, and the transmission of learned behaviors, have collectively shaped our unique identity and allowed for cumulative cultural evolution.