Question

Ethology

Using the content (examples) from Ape Genius and Crain's (Darwin's theory) Chapter 3, identify and explain three elements what must have happened to our species to help it survive and thrive.

Answer 1

ANSWER :-

1. According to the theory of Natural selection, it was being stated by Charles Darwin that the environment plays an important role in shaping the survival of the animals in a particular habitat or area. So, lets consider an example of octopus. They can lay around 20000-30000 eggs out of which only some survive till end depending upon predatory pressures, environmental pressures, etc and this is what the concept is all about. One of the most effective evidences from the Ape Genius is about the Chimpanzee who displays a hunting style unique to the humans which can be performed when being in such a situation. Humans tends to shape and sharpen their instruments like spear prior to hunting in order to enhance the success rate of the catch. This displayal was being seen in the Chimpanzees which is evident that the humans mimicked other humans and evolved the technique of hunting so as to increase their chances of survival.
2. Another important feature which was being seen in the Chimpanzee is the social grouping which in turn enhances the co-ordination and the ability to co-ordinate themselves during critical situations. Social behavior is responsible for the complex nature of brain in humans which have enabled the modern humans to think in a progressive manner, develop and use computers and new technology which is hardly being understood by the ape relatives including the chimpanzees.
3. This co-ordination was being tested in the chimpanzees and the bonobos with the later should relatively better co-ordination character than the chimpanzees. This was being assessed by means of food being delivered to them in various ways that would help to analyze whether the apes would help or associate with others to help derive the food. But, this research proved to be evident that the apes lacked this nature which is well projected in the modern humans and thus can be considered as a social instinct in the evolution of humans. So, it can be conclued that humans showed evolutions in their social behavior apart from the modifications of predatory practice that helped them survive.
4. The last element that needs mentioning is the emotions associated with a related individual or ape. The character of parental care is very well developed in the humans which have minimum reproductive output and shows maximum parental care which in turn enhances the survival chances of the human individuals and same phenomena can be observed in the apes which is indicative of a survival benefit to both the groups.