What critical element culturally sets humans apart from other species?

Answer 1

The critical element that culturally sets humans apart from other species is the functional superiority of the human brain. That existing human culture has three axial components, namely politics, religion, and technology, which influence the affairs of mankind, must be obvious to all with a passing interest in human behaviour. The abundance of neurons with short axons, and the more advanced connective processes within the human brain, set it apart from other species. Human culture is a product of the creativity and intellect which the functional superiority of the human brain allows. The human capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations exists within a culture that consists of languages, ideas, beliefs, customs, taboos, codes, institutions, tools, techniques, works of art, rituals, ceremonies, and symbols which reflect diversity in the sophisticated problem-solving ability of the human brain. In the context of human culture, environments are adapted to the purposes of mankind rather than solely depended upon as determining forces. Cultural change takes place as a result of revolutionary movements and human factors in the "politico-religious-technology continuum". The political activities of humans are an attempt to solve problems of how people are to be managed and organised. The religious activities of humans are an attempt to solve problems of how people are to be conscious and aware of both Creation and Creator. The technological activities of humans are an attempt to solve problems of how people are to use resources. Other species do not have the brain function that is available to members of the human race in its pursuit of answers to problems relating to its existence, and it is this critical element which culturally sets them apart.