Why are humans unique among all animals in so many ways?

Humans are just one of the many animal species on this planet.

Why do humans have such unique needs, skills and behaviors?

- Need to farm, & cook / process food before eating
– Need to wear clothing, and need for extensive shelter from the elements
– Multitude of languages
– Ability to pass on knowledge from generation to generation (rather than just passing on the beneficial genes)
– similarly a large component of our knowledge and behaviour being determined by what we learn and experience, rather than what we are born with
– Self-awareness (rare though not exclusive to humans I guess)
– Ability to use tools (rare again)
– Ability for abstract thinking, concepts, scientific theories, experimentation