Chimpanzee
Appearance
Chimpanzees are medium-sized, African apes of the genus Pan. There are 2 living species of Chimpanzee, the Common Chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes (also called the robust chimpanzee), and the bonobo, Pan paniscus. The bonobo was formerly considered a dwarf form of chimpanzee and called the pygmy chimpanzee.
The genus Pan is considered to be the evolutionary sister-group to humans.
Chimpanzees show evidence of intelligence.
- Zoo chimp 'planned' stone attacks. A chimpanzee collected stones planning to use them in attacks hours later. Behavioural scientists did not expect that level of plannng and foresight in an animal. Other people do not consider chimpanzees animals. The chimp was calm when he collected the stones but anticipated that he would become agitated later.
- Chimps craft ultimate fishing rod Wild chimps improve a tool so it becomes more effective for catching termites.
- Chimps outperform humans in some short term memory tests.
- Chimps calm each other down after an attack. This shows social sensitivity rather than intelligence.
See also
[edit | edit source]- Human Genetic Uniqueness Project- what are the key genetic differences between humans and chimps?
- Wikipedia: Chimpanzee
- Wikipedia: Common chimpanzee
- Wikipedia: Bonobo