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The Inner Ape (October 7, 2005, Two)

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Program Summary

You’ve heard about getting in touch with your inner child; how about your inner ape? Dr. Frans de Waal, a psychologist and primatologist, says that observing the behavior of our primate cousins can give us great insight into ourselves.

Dr. de Waal studies chimpanzees and bonobos, ape species that are closely related to each other and genetically almost identical to humans. While these two species may be nearly indistinguishable physically, behaviorally they are poles apart. Chimp troops are male-dominated, aggressive, and xenophobic (afraid of strangers), while female-centered bonobo groups exhibit cooperative tendencies and a sense of empathy with one another. Male chimpanzees use brute strength to claw their way to the top; female bonobos take advantage of their “feminine wiles” to enhance their status and keep the males under control (though they’re not above biting when the occasion calls for it).

What can this monkey business tell us about the human psyche? Have we evolved beyond these behaviors, or are we still much more ape-like than we want to admit? Are you craving a banana now?

Guests

Dr. Frans B.M. de Waal
Director, Living Links Center
C. H. Candler Professor of Primate Behavior
Department of Psychology, Emory University
Author, Our Inner Ape

Related Links and Resources

For Discussion:

• What does Dr. de Waal mean by “our inner ape”? What does he believe ape behavior can tell us about ourselves?

• What are the physical differences between chimpanzees and bonobos? How closely are they related to humans?

• How do chimp and bonobo social structures differ?

• How do the bonobos in Dr. de Waal’s book exhibit empathy? How do the chimps react to strangers?

• In what other ways do you think humans act like apes?

Activities

Let’s go ape. At the Enchanted Learning’s Apes page, you can bone up on bonobos, chimpanzees, and other members of the primate family.

Doin’ what comes naturally. Swing by the BBC to read about chimpanzee aggression (Chimps behaving badly) and contact between wild chimps and humans (Chimps and humans in conflict). A BBC survey reveals amazing similarities (as well as differences) between ape and human social structure and behavior. Take the Chimp Challenge for a graphic demonstration of how important correct behavior is to survival.

The man in the mirror. Alan Alda reflects on what chimps can teach us at PBS Scientific American Frontiers Chimps R Us. Segments include an interview with Jane Goodall, a look at chimp communication, and musings about the idea of chimp “culture.”

Prime-Time Primates: Keeping the Peace is a game that shows how cooperation can diffuse tension in a chimp troop.

Big ideas. DiscoverySchool.com’s The Great Apes lesson plan focuses on studying intelligence in great apes. The lesson plan encourages research, discussion, and experiment design. Follow the link to African Primates at Home, which has photos, facts, and even recorded vocalizations of a variety of primates.

If I had a hammer... National Geographic Xpeditions lesson plan Chimps, Humans, Thumbs, and Tools is a fascinating exercise in tool-using by animals. Students learn what an advantage the opposable thumb is and how animals solve their problems by turning natural objects into tools.

Information about threats to apes can be found at Science Friday Kids Connection, April 11, Hour Two: Apes in Crisis.

Use the search box below to perform a Google search within any of the specifc sites or general domains mentioned in this Activities section.

Hear the Program

RealAudio format (courtesy NPR Online)
Windows Media format (courtesy NPR Online)