Our Inner Ape

By: Frans de Waal - Available at
AmazonThis book goes in-depth into the world of apes, not monkeys, but apes. Bonobos and chimps apparently do all the same things we do in terms of social interactions. This includes politic, power, altruism, kindness, empathy and more. It's quite remarkable to know that two chimps will plot together to overthrow an alpha male. But will wait until no females are around because the females like the current alpha and will help protect him. It's also interesting to look at how the two apes' social structures vary. Comparing the female dominated bonobos and the male dominated chimps seems to give us insight into both ourselves and sheds light on evolutionary biology. Also, chimps eat monkeys! I had no idea.
Posted: August 19, 2007 |
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