Throughout situations and research conducted by not only Robert Sapolsky or Jane Goodman, but from many other credited sources, we can blatantly see the, if not identical, similarities between the two species of humans and baboons. The most apparent likewise characteristics of this can be read and documented in Professor Sapolsky’s book, A Primate’s Memoirs. Sapolsky, who spent hundreds if not thousands, of hours studying these Savanna Baboons, sheds a vast insight into ideas of social dominance, mating strategies, instinctual prowess, community settings, hygiene, and reform of an entire generation; many of which can be unknowingly seen directly in the common occurrence of a humans daily life. One of the biggest ideals shown throughout history is the need for power and dominance. Whether it comes from Hitler taking over Germany and trying to enact a full-scale genocide of an entire race or a Savanna baboon alpha male being challenged by a headstrong youth for dictatorship of the tribe; the need to be the one who calls the shots will always remain an instinctual thought hardwired in our brain. To some this comparison may seem off based and farfetched in regards to similarity, however looking at Sapolsky’s research, the dominance in the animal kingdom can get rather similar. In a quote from his book A Primate’s Memoirs, Robert states, “Solomon entered the fight, ably taking on both while they were preoccupied and exhausted. Result: number 203 dead, Aaron badly injured, Solomon settling in to his reign” (Pg 22-23). The clichéd quote of “all is fair in love and war” could not sum up this act of social dominance any better. Solomon, who was number 3 in the chain of command, waited on the arduous fight of the two contenders to wage on... ... middle of paper ... ...e where the hierarchy is falls into shambles. The extensive research conducted by Robert Sapolsky demonstrates the immense similarities that the Savanna baboons have compared to the average human. When broken down, the reader can indefinitely see the struggle for social dominance in the community, the instinctual takeover of the subconscious, the hierarchy ladder that dictates the rank in everyday life, and lastly the changes from one generation to the next. Although professor Sapolsky’s research ended with the death of the Keekorok troop, there was a time frame, when the last fleeting moments closed in, that he witnessed the death of aggression and saw the ushering in of kindness and tolerance amongst each other. This epiphany was imperative to Sapolsky’s understanding that nothing is concrete; there is always some way to branch out and make a better environment.
...ated poorly and could not stand up for itself, it was likely that they were going to move on to another troop. The similarities between baboons and humans is also uncanny. From the way that they choose the most dominant person in their troop for the males, to the way they choose the highest-ranking female. Also, the way that baboons go about getting a mate is very similar to that of humans. Humans, by nature, try to make themselves as appealing as possible to make themselves more desirable for mates. Like baboons, humans do not limit themselves to only men going out and finding a mate, as women do this as well. All in all, Robert Sapolsky painted a very clear picture of how baboons live, interact, mate with each other, and become dominant figures in his book, A Primate’s Memoir.
This article, titled Common Ground, written by Barbara Smuts, points out the main differences between humans and apes, such as our upright stance, large brains, and capacity for spoken language and abstract reasoning. However, the main point of this article is to emphasize the many similarities that apes share with us. Smuts goes into great detail about how human social and emotional tendencies are very reflective in the family of apes.
The second step shown in these monkey’s evolutionary progress is that now these animals appear to be goal oriented. Like mentioned previously, these monkeys had been working for themselves. They would do what ever they could to benefit themselves, get food, and have a nice place to sleep. Yet, once the changes begin and they have a leader, the monkeys begin to act as a group. They are more coordinated and it seems that their living style has changed from anarchy to monarchy. They attack a larger animal and kill it as a group. In turn, the raw meat is then split between the monkeys and everyone gets a share.
I am presenting information on the life, past rate of growth and future of the Olive Baboon. I will demonstrate the community relationship shared by the adult females, males, and juveniles in the troop and how the ranking of females plays an important part of troop dynamics. I will explain the specifics of the climate of the savanna biome and what adaptations the Olive baboon, native to this habitat, has to support its survival and the food chain it is part of. I will further show the omnivores behaviors as a predator to rodents, hares, and Thomson gazelles, as a prey to lions, leopards and hyenas, and as an herbivore, that eats tubers, lemon grass and acacia. Further, I will explore the symbiotic relationship that the Olive baboon shares with the elephants. I will further examine the pivotal role of the Olive Baboon in the ecosystem and their impact on human beings. Finally, I will explain the Olive Baboons place in the biogeochemical cycles that sustain life, in the biome through the recycling of phosphorus, carbon, nitrogen and water
As elevation increases, wildlife productivity usually decreases due to lower temperatures, thinner air, and lack of moisture, but several primate species have successfully colonized high altitude habitats despite these environmental stressors (Grow et al 2013). Since mountainous regions are often inaccessible, scientists have only recently made strides to explore primate ecology in these areas and the potential applications to conservation and evolution. Many monkeys defy the dangers of hypothermia, hypoxia, and famine through exceptional environmental flexibility (Grow et al 2013). Using case studies, this review will illustrate the adaptations that primates have evolved to help combat the strain of living in high altitude regions.
The article, On Human Nature: Sex and the Single Monkey, was published by The Sciences over fifteen years ago. Written by Robert Sapolsky, the article addresses a multitude of mating concepts and theories between female and male organisms, including humans and primates. I would not say that the article is dated from the concept of anatomical and physiological behaviors and reactions because these remain constant. However, a glaring component is missing in this article based on our changing times and socially accepted beliefs. I also find the article too narrow in scope leaving several questions unanswered.
In the article, “Bonobos Protect and Console Friends and Kin” shows how Bonobos can assist each other and why they tend to show reciprocal help of one another, especially when two or more Bonobos work together to face a problem when solving tasks. The study explores the main possible functions of how bonobos help each other and solve conflicts with some of the Authors’ techniques — which correspond to four hypotheses along with predictions that can be derived from them. The four hypotheses are The Self-Protection Hypothesis, Victim-Protection Hypothesis, Relationship-Repair Hypothesis or Substitute for Reconciliation Hypothesis, and Relationship-Repair Hypothesis and are very essential to the methods used to the conducted study done to determine
In his lecture, primatologist Robert Sapolsky explains the uniqueness of humans as well as our similarities to other primates. In doing so, he broke it down into six points of interest: aggression, theory of mind, the golden rule, empathy, pleasure in anticipation and gratification postponement, and lastly, culture. Professor Sapolsky approaches each point with interesting fact-based examples thus allowing me to gain insight on humans and other primates. Sapolsky’s knowledge of primates along with his scientific background allows him to make a clear argument that one cannot simply ignore.
I am an art history major so I decided to ask my fellow art historians to answer some of the questions I had for them about primate conservation. This is the questions I asked: What is your definition of a primate? Do you think it is important to conserve primates? Do you consider humans primates? If so why should we care about “conserving” humans and not non-human primates? Finally, do you know the effect of palm oil production in countries like Indonesia?
As was learned throughout the semester, although most primates have the same, general primitive traits, such as opposable thumbs or stereoscopic vision, there are still quite a bit of differences amongst the different species, especially in regards to those who fall under the categories of New World (platyrrhines) and Old World monkeys (catarrhines). For the most part, New World monkeys, such as the Golden Headed Lion Tamarins, have “flat noses” with nostrils facing sideways as well as prehensile tails that are usually used as a fifth leg and facilitate their life on the trees. As for Old World monkeys, however, these monkeys, such as the Francois’ Langurs, have “narrow” noses with downward facing nostrils and lack a grasping tail. Therefore,
How could something so intangible, actually be something that exists? Much of religion is based purely on blind faith. There are certain things at the person must automatically accept in order to believe in God. The person would never receive proof for his existence. A good example for ex-istence would be the president of the United States. A person knows the president is real, be-cause they have seen the presidential candidates appear on TV and give speeches. They have also most likely gone to the polls and cast their vote for president. People do not waste their time wondering if the President is a real person, and only a hoax conjured up by the media. When per-son goes to church, God does not stand up front and address the congregation.
Whether or not research on non-human primates is ethically permissible is a difficult question to answer. This stems from the inherent human like qualities that can be inferred by simply looking at a non-human primate. Their physical features, social structure and even their mannerisms are easily translated as being human-like. Seeing non-human primates being used for research purposes is certainly difficult to think about but we must realize that without them the many advances in human health would not be possible.
Whether it be for a class field trip or a leisurely activity, most of us have been to the zoo, and most certainly have seen the apes and monkeys. It seems as though us humans are drawn to the primate section of the zoo, but why? Is it because they don 't exist ubiquitously throughout the world, or is it simply that we love to see some swing through the trees while others pound their chest? While both of these may play a role, one must realize that species tend to gravitate towards other species of similarity. In terms of humans, we interact with each other far more than any other species, and we do so for many reasons, which raises the questions of how and why? In order to answer these questions regarding human behavior, our closest relatives, nonhuman primates, are often put under the microscope. Due to the fact that humans are primates, studying other primates is perhaps the most effective way of gaining insight into our own subspecies on biological, social, and behavioral levels.
No one knows where the next breakthrough scientific discovery will come from. It could be synthetically derived or naturally produced, both are viable options and to not explore both of these options would be the equivalent of blindly using only half of your materials. Ancient societies experimented with numerous plant and animal parts to determine what effect they might have. Through trial and error they were able to discover valuable components for human ailments. While they were not always able to separate the “active” compounds, these represented the first crude drugs and this knowledge was passed down through the generations. Many of these traditional medicines have real, helpful effects and extracts of these crude drugs lead to the discovery
In this primate society, female bonobos tend to hold higher social ranks than males. It does not happen to often when there is an aggressive encounter between both sexes. Social hierarchies within the bonobo society exist but do not play a prominent role as compared to other related primate societies. Males within the society tend to...