actually, come to think of it, we always call animals and human like they are two different things.
most of human behaviors are actually their animal counterparts work at a much complex way. for example, in the wolf pack, the leader always gets to pick the food first (this might not be true, but I am sure something similar happens) and none of us would jump on top of an opposite sex in the public simply because there is some social codes exist in both the wolf pack and our society. and if we go against it, we risk our survival...
that said, I think there are some qualities that seperate us from animals
with the ability to learn:
we avoid our mistakes, and become the better of ourselves
with the ability to understand:
we come to know more of us, our limits and strength, fear and courage, greed and generousity, so that we can struggle against odds and grow
with the ability to love:
we create harmonious, peace, happiness around us, so that life does not seem so harsh
with the ability to create:
we create tools to solve problem, so that we become more efficient
with the ability to grieve (sp?):
we value our love, creations, so that life has a purpose