The Difference Between Humans and Other Animals: The Purpose of Sex, Essay Example

Sexual intercourse is often used as a means for reproduction.  But for some species, sexual intercourse is performed for pleasure, or is used as an expression of love.  Humans differ from other animals, in that they often have sexual intercourse for purposes other than procreation.  The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the differences between human s and other animals in relation to sexual intercourse.

To be fair, human beings are not the only animals who engage in sexual intercourse for pleasure.  Dolphins and bonobos chimpanzees also have sex for purposes other than reproduction.  These animals are social and sex reinforces bonds with the community, promotes cohesiveness, and helps to ensure the survival of the group. Bonobos chimpanzees will use sexual acts as a means to exchange favors.  Certain anatomical similarities of dolphins and other primates to humans, may account for similar traits regarding sexuality.

Humans, other primates, and dolphins have a well-developed and complex neocortex; this area of the brain is responsible for sensations of pleasure.  A more complex neocortex results in more social behaviors, language, and a higher level of consciousness. The neocortex in humans encompasses nearly all of the brain, except for a small portion of the cerebellum.

Human males and females will engage in sexual acts which do not lead to reproduction, such as kissing, extensive touching, and performingoral and anal intercourse.Humans will even use some form of contraception to ensure that no pregnancy occurs when they engage in sexual activity.  For most animals, sexual intercourse is performed vaginally, and no other displays of affection are shown.  While human females may feel more desire for sexual intercourse while they are ovulating, they are just as likely to engage in sexual activity at times when they are not likely to conceive.  Females of other species may push males away when they are not fertile.  The act of sexual intercourse requires energy, and many animals cannot afford to waste that energy.   Why would a lioness waste her time engaging in sexual activity if it would not lead to the production of viable offspring?  Her time and energy would be better spent hunting for food.   Most humans are fortunate where they do not need to choose between energy to survive and energy for reproduction.

Another difference is the relationships which are formed after the sexual act occurs.  Sex is often associated with loving relationships in humans , but in the animal kingdom, the female has little use for the male after she becomes pregnant.   Conversely casual sex in humans does not necessarily lead to the formation of a committed relationship, but is still performed for pleasure, with no intention of pregnancy.

Some may argue that humans have a higher level of consciousness than other animals.  The complexity of the human neocortex allows for higher functioning of mental and emotional abilities.  Higher mental and emotional abilities may create the desire for more intimate contact on regular basis.   Higher consciousness allows for more social relationships to form and even the development of romantic love.The awareness that human possess, is a quality that is said not to exist in animals.   The higher consciousness in humans allows for planning of the event and the formulation of relationships.  Feelings of happiness, sadness, or even regret may be experienced by humans and not other animals.

Whether or not humans do have a higher consciousness due to a complex neocortex orfor other esoteric reasons, there is a difference in the attitudes about sex between humans and most other animals.  Despite having sex for reasons other than procreation, humans have many different attitudes towards sex, that other animals do not.  Aside from romantic love  and physical gratification, humans may also feel disgust or aggression towards their mate.  Other animals mate and most likely do not experience these emotions.  If the female is fertile, then she will mate with a male.

While it is difficult to prove a higher level of consciousness, it is accepted that a complex and well-developed neocortex provides for a heightened sensations of pleasure, and also allows for more intimate social relationships. These intimate social relationships combined with heightened sensations of pleasure may naturally allow the desire to engage in sexual activity for reasons which have very little to do with reproduction. The bonding that forms during sex between consenting humans is one of the factors which distinguishes them from other animals.