Anthropology 68 Day 13
Anth 68
Day 13
Is Culture a Golden Barrier Between Human and Chimpanzee? Christopher Boesch sets out to describe the distinct cultural behaviors of differing species of chimpanzee in relation to their location and, moreover, to illustrate the cultural traits that chimpanzees share with human beings. A collective definition of culture is derived from the disciplines of anthropology, psychology, and biology; it states that culture is not acquired genetically. Culture is shared within a group of members, it is a practice that is unique to an individual group of people, and it is based on the perception that is common and shared amongst a specific group or community. To prove culture is present in chimpanzees, Boesch examines the behavioral differences between different chimpanzee groups living in different locations. For example, Boesch examines a prevalent behavior of nut-cracking that recently developed in chimpanzees, specifically between the Taı ̈ and native zoo chimpanzees. He recorded fourteen variations between the chimpanzees, which, in turn, support the allegation that chimpanzees have culture. Furthermore, another example of variation of culture in chimpanzees, as examined by Boesch, is seen with the reaction that is produced towards the leaf-clipping sounds. The chimpanzees of Manhale will react to the sound as an invitation for sexual activity, whereas the chimpanzees of Bossou perceive it as an invitation to play and have fun. Another example of variation is noticed in the eating of a parasite. In Gombe, chimpanzees tend to put the parasite on top of a layer of leaves, roll it up, squish it, and then eat it; whereas in contrast, the chimpanzees of Manhale use a single layer of leaf, roll up the parasite, cut the leaf with their nails, then suck it out and chew.
These variations clearly indicate that culture is present in chimpanzees and with this assertion, Boesch presumes that humans and chimpanzees might have more in common than we originally
Day 13
Is Culture a Golden Barrier Between Human and Chimpanzee? Christopher Boesch sets out to describe the distinct cultural behaviors of differing species of chimpanzee in relation to their location and, moreover, to illustrate the cultural traits that chimpanzees share with human beings. A collective definition of culture is derived from the disciplines of anthropology, psychology, and biology; it states that culture is not acquired genetically. Culture is shared within a group of members, it is a practice that is unique to an individual group of people, and it is based on the perception that is common and shared amongst a specific group or community. To prove culture is present in chimpanzees, Boesch examines the behavioral differences between different chimpanzee groups living in different locations. For example, Boesch examines a prevalent behavior of nut-cracking that recently developed in chimpanzees, specifically between the Taı ̈ and native zoo chimpanzees. He recorded fourteen variations between the chimpanzees, which, in turn, support the allegation that chimpanzees have culture. Furthermore, another example of variation of culture in chimpanzees, as examined by Boesch, is seen with the reaction that is produced towards the leaf-clipping sounds. The chimpanzees of Manhale will react to the sound as an invitation for sexual activity, whereas the chimpanzees of Bossou perceive it as an invitation to play and have fun. Another example of variation is noticed in the eating of a parasite. In Gombe, chimpanzees tend to put the parasite on top of a layer of leaves, roll it up, squish it, and then eat it; whereas in contrast, the chimpanzees of Manhale use a single layer of leaf, roll up the parasite, cut the leaf with their nails, then suck it out and chew.
These variations clearly indicate that culture is present in chimpanzees and with this assertion, Boesch presumes that humans and chimpanzees might have more in common than we originally