No time for a real post today, but I did want to share this story that I saw on MSNBC. It discusses new observations of tool use among chimps, and offers clear evidence that chimps are fully capable of learning how to use new technologies and techniques and then passing that knowledge on within their group.

This news will do little to persuade those people who do not believe that humans and chimps share a common ancestry, and therefore do not require special protection and study, to rethink their position. That's really regrettable. The truth about where we've come from is more remarkable than any story about a omnipotent magic man snapping his fingers and wishing us into existence. Our shared heritage with the great apes should be a source of wonder, not shame. Kudos to these researchers for adding another piece to the puzzle. The knowledge benefits us all, humans and human cousins alike.

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13 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Onesnap

June 8th 2007 20:51

Project X!!!

Comment by Wendi

June 8th 2007 23:10

I think animals are a lot smarter than we give them credit for. Our arrogance as a species has made so many of us forget that we're nothing more than another variety in the animal kingdom. Intelligent, yes, for the most part... but animals nonetheless.

Comment by Winston

June 8th 2007 23:50

Small Thoughts on Big Questions

Another variety is exactly right Wendi. That thought makes some people pretty squeamish and/or irate. Personally, I think it's neat!

Comment by katyzzz

June 9th 2007 05:03

Photography Tips
Health Focus
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The Chimpanzee is Man's closest relative.

katyzzz

Comment by charliesgirl_992000

June 9th 2007 06:46

Histeries, Mysteries and what not
Lifes little slices
Mystical Creativity

The Chimpanzees are what astounds me the most,w hen we go to Zoo's. we're without a doubt relatied. wether animal or human, we all have the same right to be here,prosper and live our unique lives.
Tammy

Comment by youranter

June 9th 2007 11:02

youranter
Opinions
opinionatedranter
Tales From The Green Lantern

I'm not going to go into evolution here. I believe in it, but something started the whole mess and that's where I have a problem. I also believe that 'In the beginning, with a big bang, God created the universe.' Maybe a chicken shit way out but it works for me. I did a blog some time ago wherein I explained what separates humans from animals and amazed myself at how clever I am. Hold the applause, it's really simple. We know how to control and use fire to our advantage. Other animals don't. They run from it. Pretty easy eh? Great item Winston.

Comment by Winston

June 9th 2007 13:09

Small Thoughts on Big Questions

Indeed, katyzzz

Comment by Winston

June 9th 2007 13:13

Small Thoughts on Big Questions

Very true, Tammy. I am not PETA material, for sure. I have no problem eating a steak or some chicken nuggets. That's not to say that I don't think that many animals are capable of feeling some basic level of emotion or discomfort, but there is a wide range of differences. Only the great apes and a few other species exhibit anything like human emotions and cognizance. For that reason, their suffering can be assumed to mirror our own.

I think research like this is helpful in so many ways, one of them being in bringing a heightened respect for an animal not far removed from ourselves.

Thanks for stopping by!

Comment by Winston

June 9th 2007 13:19

Small Thoughts on Big Questions

Ranter, you and I are obviously of a different thought process on this, but as long as we're on the same page on the fact that evolution occurred (in fact, is still occurring) then how we both choose to think the whole thing started is inconsequential to me

Whether or not you see the hand of god in the process doesn't change the fact that apes and humans share about 98% of the same DNA, not to mention the fact that chimps exhibit complex social structure, nuanced communication and, as in this article, tool use. Chimps may not know how to use fire at the moment, but this research hints that just maybe they're capable of learning how....

Thanks for the feedback!

Comment by youranter

June 9th 2007 14:57

youranter
Opinions
opinionatedranter
Tales From The Green Lantern

Everyone's entitled to their own beliefs, Winston. That's why I refuse to debate the issue. And I agree that evolution is still happening. That's why we can't kill mosquitos. They just evolve too damn fast and any repellents or poisons we find to keep their numbers down are basically useless after one generation of them has been exposed. The chimps may indeed learn how to use fire. That wasn't my point. At first we learned tools made us separate, then we learned many animals use tools. Then we said it was language that separated us. We now know many animals communicate. Go down the list, and they're just the same as us, some more highly developed than others. Fire is the only thing today that makes humans special. Just something to think about.

Comment by Winston

June 9th 2007 16:18

Small Thoughts on Big Questions

Fair enough ranter. But are you advocating for God or for Prometheus?

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Comment by youranter

June 9th 2007 17:01

youranter
Opinions
opinionatedranter
Tales From The Green Lantern

Lmao Winston. I'm an equal opportunity advocater. Credit where it's due and all that. Although, I am afraid of ending up on Planet of the Apes, lol. Seriously, fire is what sets us aside. Once the chimps learn to conquer that, I'll have to find something else to write about.

Comment by Miswanderlust

June 30th 2007 03:03

Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy

Thanks so much for this interesting post. Really food for thought!
Mis

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