Human and ape behavior

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This article will detail similarities and differences in the behaviors of human beings and the rest of the great apes. Topics covered will include sexual behavior, sexual dimorphism, aggression, family structure, political behavior, and tool use.

Humanity's physical ascent from the australopithecines and the other early hominids to present form is documented in the human fossil record, but only rudimentary assumptions on the behavioral characteristics of early humanity can be ascertained from the fossil record. Unable to directly observe the early hominids, humans look to others in the order [primates] to hypothesize the behaviors of their fossil ancestors. Of particular interest are the non-human Great Apes, who shared lineage with humanity more recently than any other primate. They are composed of the orangutan, gorilla, and the common and bonobo chimpanzee. The Great Apes and humans share a substantial amount of genes, and thus homo sapien is considered to be a member of the Great Apes as well.

Humans and the Great Apes share a number of similar behavioral characteristics that potentially shed light onto the rise of intelligence in humans. These characteristics include tool using behavior, social group dynamics, capacity for language and comprehension, and levels of aggression.

Separation of humans and Great Apes

Apes and humans shared a common ancestor tens of millions of years ago, but diverged from that lineage at differing intervals. Orangutans are the furthest removed from human lineage both genetically and temporally. They are believed to have diverged from human lineage 14-16 million years ago.


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Citations

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