The uniqueness of humans has been claimed on many grounds, but most often because of our tool-making, culture, language, reason and morality. We have them, the other animals don't, and -- so the argument goes -- that's that.
Source: with Ann Druyan.
-- Carl Sagan, (Nov 9 1934-1996), US astronomer; He provided insight in the origin of life by producing amino acids in a mixture of chemicals irradiated by ultraviolet light; wrote Contact.