96 CHAPTER 4 | Primate Behavior
living primates, like the contemporary study of genetics,
provide valuable insight into our understanding of hu-
man origins. The methods scientists use to recover data
directly from fossilized bones and preserved cultural re-
mains in order to study the human past are the subject of
the next chapter.This is not to say that we are “just” another ape; ob-
viously, degree does make a difference. Nevertheless,
the continuities between us and our primate kin reflect
a common evolutionary heritage and a responsibility
to help our cousins today. Because of our shared evolu-
tionary heritage, the biology and behavior of the other
Questions for Reflection
- Those who fully support the use of nonhuman primates
in biomedical research argue that using a limited number of
chimpanzees or rhesus macaques to lessen human suffering
and spare human lives is justified. Do you agree or disagree?
What kinds of alternatives might be developed to replace
nonhuman primates in biomedical research? - What kinds of communication systems have been
observed in primates? How do these differ from human
language? - This chapter describes several instances of scientists
revising their paradigms when it appeared that their work
was overly influenced by their own cultural norms, such
as prevailing gender roles. Can you think of ways that this
might still be occurring? How do researchers prevent this
from happening?- Given the variation seen in the specific behaviors of
chimp, bonobo, and gorilla groups, is it fair to say that these
primates possess culture? - As we explored in the previous chapter, many primate
species are endangered today. What features of ape biol-
ogy may be responsible for apes’ limited population size?
Do these biological limitations pertain to humans? Why or
why not?
Suggested Readings
Cavalieri, P., & Singer, P. (1994). The Great Ape Project:
Equality beyond humanity. New York: St. Martin’s.
This edited volume brings together leading primatologists,
ethicists, animal rights activists, field biologists, and psychol-
ogists to make the case for extending the rights guaranteed
to humans to the other great apes. This book was the first
initiative of the Great Ape Project, a worldwide initiative to
protect chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans.
Cheney, D. L., & Seyfarth, R. M. (2007). Baboon metaphysics:
The evolution of a social mind. Chicago: University of Chi-
cago Press.
Through in-depth field studies extending over years, prima-
tologists Cheney and Seyfarth examine the degree to which
baboon behavior indicates thought compared to instinct.
Their fascinating analysis written in an engaging style re-
sponds to the statement Charles Darwin made: “He who
understands baboons would do more towards metaphysics
than Locke.”
de Waal, F. B. M., & Lanting, F. (1998). Bonobo: The forgot-
ten ape. Berkeley: University of California Press.
This book perfectly blends photographs and text to allow
the reader to immediately see the inherent humanity of the
bonobos.
Fedigan, L. (1992). Primate paradigms: Sex roles and social
bonds. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Fedigan uses a broad intellectual framework to connect the
study of sex differences in primates to feminist theory as well
as to the sciences of psychology, neurobiology, endocrinol-
ogy, and biology. Her perspectives have helped shape prima-
tology as it is practiced today.Sapolsky, R. (2002). A primate’s memoir: Love, death, and
baboons in East Africa. New York: Vintage.
This book will take the reader from Sapolsky’s childhood in
New York City to his years working with a troop of baboons
in Kenya, with his fascinating work as a neuroendocrinolo-
gist thrown in for good measure. Sapolsky is witty, cynical,
and emotional as he tells his story and that of the baboons
and the other humans who were part of this journey.