Human
Humans, although sharing the same physical characteristics all around the globe, show great diversity, both in thought and in the manifestation of these genetic traits. Having suffered greatly throughout their history and from their naturally low survival rate, they quickly grouped together and formed societies focused on self-sufficiency and defense. To ensure their survival, they showed intransigence towards all those who did not share their genetic traits and thus inherited a reputation of xenophobes, hating and discriminating against anyone who does not appear to be of their species.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Walking on two legs, humans are generally considered hairless, although their bodies still presents hairier areas such as the head, face, armpits and genital area. Some individuals may also grow hair on their legs, arms, back and chest.
Aside from injuries or natural circumstances, they generally have a pair of arms, legs, eyes, and ears. A healthy individual of fertile age has 28 teeth, mostly for an omnivorous diet.
They are generally diurnal. The average sleep requirement is between seven and nine hours per day for an adult and nine to ten hours per day for a child; elderly people usually sleep for six to seven hours.
Genetics and Reproduction
Human reproduction takes place by internal fertilization via sexual intercourse. The average gestation period is 38 weeks, but a normal pregnancy can vary by up to 37 days. During the pregnancy, the fetus receives all of its nutrition and oxygenated blood from the mother via an umbilical cord.
Compared with other species, human childbirth is dangerous, with a much higher risk of complications and death. Labor is generally painful and can last 24 hours or more.
It is not uncommon to see either the mother or the father become disinterested in their human offspring, going as far as to abandon it.
Growth Rate & Stages
Helpless at birth, humans continue to grow for some years, typically reaching sexual maturity at 15 to 17 years of age. Human females undergo menopause and become infertile at around the age of 50. The life span of an individual depends on two major factors, genetics and lifestyle choices. For various reasons, including biological/genetic causes, women live on average about four years longer than men.
Ecology and Habitats
Humans are one of the most adaptable species, despite having a low or narrow tolerance for many of the earth's extreme environments. Through advanced tools, humans have been able to extend their tolerance to a wide variety of temperatures, humidity, and altitudes. As a result, humans are a species found in almost all regions of the world. Grouping and deliberate habitat alteration is often done with the goals of providing protection, accumulating comforts or material wealth, expanding the available food, improving aesthetics, increasing knowledge or enhancing the exchange of resources.
Human settlements are dependent on proximity to water and – depending on the lifestyle – other natural resources used for subsistence, such as populations of animal prey for hunting and arable land for growing crops and grazing livestock. They continue to be vulnerable to natural disasters, especially those placed in hazardous locations.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Humans are omnivorous, capable of consuming a wide variety of plant and animal material. In general, humans can survive for up to eight weeks without food, depending on stored body fat. Survival without water is usually limited to three or four days, with a maximum of one week.
Behaviour
For humans, sexuality involves biological, erotic, physical, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors. Sexuality also affects and is affected by cultural, political, legal, philosophical, moral, ethical, and religious aspects of life.
Courtship and display behaviour are very commonly seen.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Compared to other species, the human senses are generally less developped. An individual can sometimes have a heightened sense of hearing, sight, taste or smell but it is rather rare and unlikely to be more developped than most animals.
A "sixth sense" allowing to percieve things with the mind is also commonly accepted although not recognized. It lies in a grey area with instinct and intuition, most people struggling to make the difference between the them.
