Homo sapiens ecology and his sociocultural relationship

Abstract

Many individuals of Homo sapiens consider this species as separate from the rest of creatures of the Animal Kingdom. This implies that there is a disconnection of the relations between the human being and the natural environment, whose causes are varied and their consequences are usually harmful. The present paper reviews the ecological characteristics of humans, such as the number of individuals, their distribution on the planet, life expectancy and relationships with other species and the environment. In addition, I analyze the sociocultural repercussions generated by the actions of our species on the environment. The ecological characteristics of the human being show that we should not consider ourselves as the most important species on the planet and rather consider that we are an integral part of the ecosystems. However, human-induced impacts on ecosystems, both on abiotic and biotic elements, are often harmful and affect all species, including ours. I suggest, therefore, that a reassessment of our species status and our role in the environment is required.