Primate Behavior Discussion

This week we read about and looked at examples of how ape’s behavior is both different and yet remarkably similar to us as humans. I used several films, clips, and written examples this week of behavior. In your discussion, please choose one of the following examples from this week

• The scene in “So Human So Chimp” https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x29vf0a (Links to an external site.) where alpha and beta males are given watermelons but females are not.
• The scene in Ape Genius (Links to an external site.) where the female chimp deals with the death of her child.
• The scene in “Ape Genius” where chimps fashion spears for hunting.
• The scene in “Ape Genius” where male and female bonobos prevent workers from removing the dead body of a non-relative bonobo.
• The part in “Bonobo Bliss” where Amos becomes ill.
• The part in “War, What is it good for?” where baboon males suddenly begin grooming each other after the death of their alpha males.

Answer these questions based on a single scene:

1. What was your reaction upon seeing this example of behavior in apes?
2. Compare and contrast the behavior between the example you’ve seen in modern humans.
3. Can you think of how this behavior would be adaptive and would have been selected to continue on? Consider this question from both perspectives, ape and human.

Primate Behavior Discussion Answer

For this assignment, I chose to discuss the scene in the film “Ape Genius” wherein primatologist Jane Goodall documented the emotions of a female chimpanzee as she mourns the death of her child. As humans, we are very much familiar with the powerful bond between a mother and her child/children, which is often manifested in the way we take care of them while they are still young until such time that they are matured and strong enough to be independent. We show our love and affection through hugs and kisses, preparing their meals, sending them to school, communicating with them, and providing emotional support.