Chimps learn ‘local customs’
Chimpanzee communities can acquire their own local customs and maintain their own 'multiple-tradition cultures', according to researchers at St Andrews.
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Female of the species as deadly as the male
Female chimpanzees can be as violent as males, shattering the stereotype that males are more aggressive.
Chimpanzees play ‘chinese whispers’
* Caption - observational learning by chimpanzees. Each chimpanzee in a chain of up to six learned the method they saw used to open a food box and passed it on to the next chimpanzee. Here a chimpanzee demonstrates the 'lift door' approach. Image by Devyn Carter, Yerkes Center. *
Chimpanzees ape their peers
CAPTION: Techniques were passed on throughout communities through observation. CREDIT: Drawing by Amy Whiten.
Fighting talk
Scientists have discovered that chimpanzees have developed different ways of screaming during fighting. The findings, led by psychologists at the University of St Andrews, suggest that the subtle differences in vocalisations may have been developed to provide important clues for nearby allies.
Apes ‘ape’ more rationally than humans
When we describe someone 'aping' someone else, it implies they are mindlessly copying them. This does apes a disservice, according to a recent study by scientists from the University of St Andrews. In fact, it's the young members of our own species who are more likely to 'ape' their elders without too much thought.
A virtual field trip into the wild
CAPTION: A screen capture of the computer simulation which will allow visitors to make a lightning "virtual field trip" to two different wild chimpanzee communities. CREDIT: Steve Smart
Do humans ‘own’ culture?
Experts in evolution and animal behaviour will gather next week to debate whether chimpanzee 'culture' is any less real than human culture - the outcome of which may lead to a rethink of the human evolution process.
Survival skills of injured chimps
Pic caption: Pandora, an adult gorilla which Professor Byrne studied at Karisoke, Rwanda. Her right hand is cut off across the palm - only the lowest segment of the thumb retains any movement and her left hand has two of the fingers paralysed.