Question

Why does it take humans so long to become adults?

Answer 1

Since human beings have more neurons in their brain as compared to other animals, it takes a longer time for them to get mature physiologically as well as to become mentally independent. Researches have shown that the longevity of life has more to do with the number of neurons present in the cortex than anything else. The delay in maturity in human beings lead them to learn more from experience, as they interact with the environment. It also increases their ability to survive better as human mind has contributed the most in making human beings on top of the food chain. Thus, larger the number of neurons leads to a longer time for maturity.