Primatology

Venn Diagram

Choose your favourite animal, and make a Venn Diagram about the differences and similarities between you and your favourite animal

Primatology

Primatologists study the anatomy and behaviours of living primates.

Humans and other primates share many characteristic features, such as grasping hands, forward-facing eyes, and a relatively larger brain

We share roughly 98% of our DNA with certain great apes

The Study of Primates

Pioneering work in observing primates in the field was done by Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey

Both were encouraged by paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey in the 1960s and 1970s

Goodall went to Tanzania to observe Chimpanzees, Fossey to Rwanda to observe gorillas

First Observations

On October 30, 1961 Jane observes the chimpanzees meat-eating and hunting for meat, disproving the belief at the time that chimpanzees were vegetarian

On November 4, 1961 Jane observes two of the chimpanzees making tools to extract termites from their mounds…one of Jane’s most important discoveries

Important Moments

After hearing of chimpanzees abilities to create tools (until then only humans were thought to create tools) Leakey says

“Now we must redefine tool, redefine Man, or accept chimpanzees as humans”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6fhr99UUxg

Acceptance into scientific communityThose in academia are critical of Jane’s methods stating they are not scientific (particularly her habit of naming the chimpanzees)

Jane had to defend an idea that is now obvious: that chimpanzees have emotions, minds and personalities.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKyrLFyOi04

How are Humans Similar to Other

Primates?The bond between mothers and infants is important for survival in all primate species

Primates have the longest infant dependency period of all mammals

All primate societies have dominance hierarchies and aggression among the males for access to food and females

All primates groom one another

All primates communicate through facial expressions, touch, vocalizations, and body language

How are Humans different from other

Primates?Bipedalism

Humans have longest infant dependency period

Humans are only primates with a symbolic, spoken language and physical ability of speech

Humans live in groups and mate in pairs

Humans develop ideas and beliefs about the world that guide their actions, have the ability to think and reflect on their own actions, and develop complex systems of morality and spirituality that influence and motivate behaviour

1 Page Movie Reflection

Discuss the difficulties and issues of conducting participant observation as demonstrated in the movie.

Make specific reference to scenes in the movie

8 marks for difficulties/issues and examples

2 marks for making it coherent