Great Ape Societies [Paperback]

Unique synthesis of field, zoo and lab work on all Great Ape species, giving insight into human origins.In addition to sharing a common ancestor only five million years ago, we share high intelligence, omnivorous diets, prolonged child-rearing and rich social lives with the Great Apes. This study draws on decades of international field work, zoo and laboratory studies for up-to-date syntheses of research.In addition to sharing a common ancestor only five million years ago, we share high intelligence, omnivorous diets, prolonged child-rearing and rich social lives with the Great Apes. This study draws on decades of international field work, zoo and laboratory studies for up-to-date syntheses of research.The Great Apes (chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans) are our closest living relatives, sharing a common ancestor only five million years ago. We also share key features such as high intelligence, omnivorous diets, prolonged child-rearing and rich social lives. The Great Apes show a surprising diversity of adaptations, particularly in social life, ranging from the solitary life of orangutans, through patriarchy in gorillas to complex but different social organizations in bonobos and chimpanzees. As Great Apes are so close to humans, comparisons yield essential knowledge for modeling human evolutionary origins. Great Ape Societies provides comprehensive up-to-date syntheses of work on all four species, drawing on decades of international field work, zoo and laboratory studies. It will be essential reading for students and researchers in primatology, anthropology, psychology and human evolution.Preface; Foreword: conserving Great Apes Jane Goodall; Part I. Apes Overviewed: 1. Towards an understanding of the orangutan's social system Carel van Schaik and Jan van Hooff; 2. Comparative socio-ecology of gorillas David Watts; 3. Comparative socio-ecology of Pan paniscus Frances J. White; Part II. Social Ecology: 4. Social ecology of Kanyawara chimpanzees Richard Wral#