| − | '''Humans''', or human beings, are classified by biologists as [[primates]] belonging to the mammalian species, [[Homo]] sapiens, ''homo'' meaning "same", and ''sapiens'' meaning "wise", or "understanding" in the taxonomological class Hominidae (the great apes). Some researchers claim humans have possibly been around for approximately 130,000 years<ref>Alemseged Z, Coppens Y, Geraads D (2002). "Hominid cranium from Omo: Description and taxonomy of Omo-323-1976-896". Am J Phys Anthropol 117 (2): 103-12.</ref>. Humans are characterized by highly developed brain capable of abstract reasoning, language, and introspection. This mental capability, combined with an erect body carriage that frees their upper limbs for manipulating objects, has allowed humans to make far greater use of tools than any other species than is known. Humans now inhabit every continent including [[Antarctica]], with a total population of over 6.5 billion as of 2007. Humans have been known to live to ages of just over 100 years. | + | '''Humans''', or human beings, are classified by biologists as [[primates]] belonging to the mammalian species, [[Homo]] sapiens, ''homo'' meaning "same", and ''sapiens'' meaning "wise", or "understanding" in the taxonomological class Hominidae (the great apes). Some researchers claim modern humans have possibly been around for approximately 130,000 years<ref>Alemseged Z, Coppens Y, Geraads D (2002). "Hominid cranium from Omo: Description and taxonomy of Omo-323-1976-896". Am J Phys Anthropol 117 (2): 103-12.</ref>. Humans are characterized by highly developed brain capable of abstract reasoning, language, and introspection. This mental capability, combined with an erect body carriage that frees their upper limbs for manipulating objects, has allowed humans to make far greater use of tools than any other species than is known. Humans now inhabit every continent including [[Antarctica]], with a total population of over 6.5 billion as of 2007. Humans have been known to live to ages of just over 100 years. |