Chimpanzees
The chimpanzee, also known as Pan troglodytes, is a species of great ape native to the forests and savannahs of tropical Africa. Chimpanzees are one of the closest living relatives to humans, sharing approximately 98.7% of our genetic blueprint. They are highly intelligent and exhibit complex behaviors and social structures.
Taxonomy and Evolution
Chimpanzees belong to the genus Pan, which also includes the bonobo. The genus Pan is part of the family Hominidae, which includes humans, gorillas, and orangutans. The chimpanzee-human last common ancestor (CHLCA) is estimated to have lived between five to seven million years ago.
Physical Characteristics
Chimpanzees stand erect at 1-1.7 meters tall and weigh between 26-70 kilograms. They have long arms, hands, and fingers, which aid in climbing trees and swinging from branches. Their bodies are covered with black hair, and their faces are generally bare except for a short white beard. Juvenile chimps can be identified by paler faces and white tufts of hair on the rump.
Habitat and Distribution
Chimpanzees are found in 22 African countries, from the west coast to as far east as Tanzania. They inhabit a variety of environments, including tropical rainforests, woodlands, and savannahs. Notable populations can be found in Virunga National Park and Gombe Stream National Park.
Behavior and Social Structure
Chimpanzees are highly social animals that live in communities of several dozen individuals. These communities are led by an alpha male and his coalition of male allies. Social bonds are reinforced through grooming, which helps chimpanzees bond and remove ticks and dirt from one another's bodies. They exhibit a fission-fusion society, where the main group splits up to forage during the day and reunites at night.
Diet and Feeding Habits
Chimpanzees are omnivorous but primarily eat fruit and vegetation. They also consume leaves, seeds, blossoms, stems, pith, bark, and resin. Insects and meat make up a small proportion of their diet. Chimpanzees are known to hunt other primates, such as red colobus monkeys, and engage in cooperative hunting.
Cognitive Abilities
Chimpanzees have high cognitive development and are known to use tools. Jane Goodall famously observed chimpanzees using sticks to fish termites out of mounds and leaves to sop up drinking water. This discovery led to a redefinition of what constitutes tool use and challenged the notion that humans are the only species capable of such behavior.
Conservation Status
Chimpanzees are classified as endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease. The bushmeat trade and illegal pet trade also pose significant threats. Conservation efforts are ongoing, with organizations working to protect habitats, reduce poaching, and promote ecotourism.
Human Interaction
Chimpanzees have been subjects of extensive research and have contributed significantly to our understanding of primate behavior and evolution. They have also been used in medical research, although this practice has faced ethical scrutiny. Notable chimpanzees in research include Enos, the second chimpanzee in space, and Ai, known for her cognitive studies at Kyoto University's Primate Research Institute.