| Jeff Lee
Anthro
10/18/05
Primate Report
(Bonobos & Gorillas)
It is absolutely amazing to see the direct correlation between the complexities of monkeys and us human beings. Not very often do people put too much thought into our connection of existence and how it has a direct connection with monkeys, but what we fail to realize is how much credit monkeys deserve to have. Apes in general are the closest mammals on earth to human beings. Their complex anatomy, as well as their intricate social behaviors all add up to how amazing this animals can truly be. With so many different kinds of chimps and apes it is hard to know too much about one particular group, but two definite groups that stick out are the Bonobos (pygmy chimpanzees) and the Gorillas.
Bonobo apes are fascinating creature in perspective that they are one of our very few close relatives. These animals are genetically closely related to chimpanzees, but that’s exactly how they are so close to human beings as well. That is probably one good reason why the bonobos are considered so significantly in terms of scientific studies and research. From anatomy, to the way they think and act, it is amazing seeing the direct correlations between us. They’re skull shape is the closest shape to humans, and not only that but the teeth and the proportions of the body are also very similar to humans. Even the structure of the cells in their brain is similar to humans. That itself just proves how really complex these animals really are. Bonobos are also one of the few apes that will stand and walk on two feet.
In terms of behavior, there are so many interesting and unique similarities between Bonobos and human beings. It is only natural as human beings to long and yearn to know about his or her origins. Strangely enough, there are so many similarities in Bonobos that they are key models in scientific analysis. One behavior that definitely distinguishes these groups of animals is the fact that sex is not limited only to reproduction (just like human beings). This is exactly why so many scientists have such a firm conviction that they will be able to obtain a lot of vital information about human being’s sexual tendencies as well. In other words, sex is more than just sex for Bonobos. Sex is a way of bonding, easing the stress, and also a way of communication. They will sexually excite each other several times a day, and some scientists believe that is the very reason why these animals manage to have so much peace in abnormally large groups. In some cases, the same sex would stimulate each other for different reasons.
All in all, these animals are very smart and interesting animals. Not only are they especially intelligent, their similarities between humans are absolutely amazing and that is the reason why they have such significance. Unfortunately these apes were the last apes to be identified in the late 1920’s, and therefore, even till this day information on what they may be able to unfold is still quite ambiguous.
On the other hand, we probably have one of the most famous apes. The gorillas are the largest primates living on earth. Unlike the Bonobos, the gorillas are extremely large and massive. Once again, these animals are also extremely similar to us. As a matter of fact, the gorilla is the second closest to us in terms of genetics after the Chimpanzees (Bonobos too). Gorillas too differ and carry traits that are completely unique. They can also be very diverse compared to Bonobos.
Gorillas in general live in “families.” It would usually consist of one fully grown male and a couple families. The dominant male, which is called the silver back because of the distinctive silver stripe that comes across the back, is the one who usually leads the families and cares for them as well. That is a difference between the bonobos and the gorillas. Gorillas tend to live in smaller and more organized compact families, while the Bonobos tend to move in large and cluttered groups. Gorillas in general are characterized as peaceful and non-aggressive animals but depending on the situation, they may act differently. In most cases, Bonobos and Gorillas have a lot in common not only because they are both primates of the ape family but also because of the fact that they are so closely related to human beings.
One major difference between the Bonobos and the Gorillas is the whole reproduction aspect. Bonobos freely engage in sexual activities in many times of the day. On the other hand, Gorillas will only mate for reproductive purposes. Not only that, but the duration of the sexual activity in gorillas are pretty low in contrast to the other apes. And one more interesting fact about the gorillas is the fact that only the silverback is able to mate with the females in the group. It is this formation that keeps the bond in the families strong enough to stay together in a peaceful state. Another difference that is quite noticeable between these two apes is their ways of communication. Gorillas do make noises and communicate in that sense, but most of the time, their communication is more visual and based on physical signs. On the other hand, Bonobos tend to make a lot of noise and use that to signal their emotions towards one another.
All in all, Bonobos and Gorillas are very interesting animals that have so much potential to help us humand more than we can imagine. Their distinct and unique characters will truly keep us intrigued with how close they are to us and more than anything, how extremely intelligent they are.
Work Cited
Dixon, A.F. 1981. The Natural History of the Gorilla. A.F. Dixson, Great Britain.
Gorillas. The University of Michigan. 15 October 2005 <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Gorilla>
Kano, T. 1992. The Last Ape: Pygmy Chimpanzee Behavior and Ecology. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
Maple, T. L. 1982. Gorilla Behavior. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., New York.
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