Bonobos as Model for Human Behavior
The bonobo, or pan paniscus is a very unique, and relatively unknown member of the primate family. They share many of the same physical features and genetic makeup as their relative the chimpanzee, and are so similar that they are commonly known as pygmy chimpanzees. Bonobos however, vary in quite a number of ways from their relative the chimpanzee and these differences will be discussed in detail through this essay as well as how similar our behavior is in many respects as these exceptional creatures. Bonobos are a relatively newfound species with the official discovery coming in 1928 by American anatomist Harold Coolidge. He was studying the skull of what was believed to be a juvenile chimpanzee, however slight but distinct differences in the structure led him to believe that the skull was something other than a chimpanzee, it was a bonobo. This discovery eventually led anatomists, anthropologists, and other researchers to the left bank of the Congo River where the bonobos are native (figure1). The surrounding area is populated by chimpanzees and gorillas, so for the most part bonobos were largely lost in the fray, or mistaken for chimpanzees. It was not until the distinction was made between the two that researc
The areas east, west, and north are all home to different types of chimpanzees as well as gorillas. This area is approximately 1000 km east to west and 750 km north to south, which provides almost a little kingdom of bonobos. However besides that, bonobos don't use tools, or maybe don't have a use for them. As well they are a generally very cohesive society, which actually may not be so humanlike, but we like to think it is. Social Groups Bonobo groups are often rather large, especially relative to other primates like chimpanzees and gorillas. Past and Present Primatological Research A large amount of research has been done on the language acquisition ability of the bonobo. Bonobos also eat foods such as pith, leaves, flowers, seeds, and invertebrates. -Determining the capacity of bonobos to produce human-like speech and to communicate novel semantic information through the vocal channel. -Investigating the potential for weaving, music, and drawing in a bonobo infant that is exposed to these activities from birth in a cultural setting. Their strong sexual activity is also quite reminiscent of humans and the role that females play in their society is comparable to ours. They will use stones to crack nuts open, and use sticks to fish for ants and termites. Bonobos, although highly intelligent creatures do not usually use tools, even though they are more than capable of doing so. -Determining the capacity of bonobos to produce syntactically complex sentences when given access to a keyboard system that permits such constructions. They do use strategies for obtaining food though. The bonobo by all accounts is an exceptionally social creature that makes strong social bonds with others of its kind.
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