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A group of chimpanzees listen to other chimpanzees heard at a distance in the West African forests of Cote d’Ivoire, studied as part of research by the Tai Chimpanzee Project, in this undated handout photograph.
- On the boundary of dangerous territory, a troop of about 30 individuals engaging in a border patrol climbs a rocky hill to conduct reconnaissance. Detecting the sounds of adversaries a bit too close for comfort, the squad retreats. There is no reason to risk a fight with the odds against you.
- It is a scenario that has unfolded innumerable times in the history of human warfare. But in this case, it involved not people but chimpanzees in Tai National Park in southwestern Ivory Coast, West Africa’s largest protected area of rainforest.
- Researchers said on Thursday they have documented the tactical use of elevated terrain in warfare situations while observing on a daily basis two neighboring communities of wild western chimpanzees in Tai National Park for three years.
- Information obtained during hilltop reconnaissance shaped whether the chimpanzees made forays into enemy territory, the study found, with these apes appearing more apt to do so when the risk of confrontation was lower. The study, the researchers said, records for the first time the use of this age-old human military strategy by our species’ closest living relatives.
“It shows sophisticated cognitive and cooperative skills to anticipate where and when to go, and to act upon gathered information in a safe way,” said University of Cambridge biological anthropologist Sylvain Lemoine, lead author of the study published in the journal PLOS Biology.
Significance
The significance of this study lies in its exploration of the evolutionary roots of military strategies and social behavior. By observing the chimpanzees’ use of elevated terrain in warfare situations, researchers gain valuable insights into the cognitive and cooperative abilities of our closest living relatives. This research may also provide clues about the behavior and adaptations of our ancient hominin species.
Features
The research conducted in Tai National Park focused on two neighboring communities of wild western chimpanzees. It involved daily observations over a period of three years, capturing the chimpanzees’ use of elevated terrain for reconnaissance purposes. The study highlights the chimpanzees’ ability to assess risks and make strategic decisions based on gathered information.
Objectives
The main objective of the study was to investigate whether chimpanzees employ tactical strategies similar to those observed in human warfare situations. By studying their behavior, researchers aimed to gain a better understanding of the chimpanzees’ cognitive and cooperative skills, as well as their ability to adapt to their environment.
Effects
The study revealed that the chimpanzees’ use of elevated terrain for reconnaissance influenced their decision-making when it came to entering enemy territory. The findings suggest that chimpanzees possess the ability to assess risks, anticipate future events, and act upon gathered information in order to maximize their safety. This understanding may shed light on the evolutionary origins of human military strategies and provide insights into our own species’ behavior.
Pros and Cons
While the study showcases the impressive cognitive and cooperative skills of chimpanzees, it also highlights the presence of inter-group violence among them. Chimpanzees are known to engage in violent encounters, with skirmishes, fights, and even killings occurring. The use of elevated terrain for reconnaissance, although beneficial in terms of reducing risks, may also result in confrontations and potential harm.
Fun Fact
Chimpanzees and bonobos share about 98.8% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest living relatives. Studying their behavior not only provides insights into our shared evolutionary history but also highlights the similarities between humans and wild animals. It demonstrates that the differences between us and our distant cousins are only a matter of degree, rather than nature.
Mutiple Choice Questions
1. What is the focus of the study mentioned in the passage?
a) Chimpanzee behavior in Ivory Coast
b) Inter-group violence in chimpanzees
c) Chimpanzees’ use of elevated terrain in warfare situations
d) Chimpanzee territorial behavior
Explanation: The study focuses on the tactical use of elevated terrain in warfare situations by chimpanzees in Ivory Coast’s Tai National Park.
2. What is the purpose of hilltop reconnaissance for chimpanzees?
a) To improve visual detection of rival chimpanzees
b) To increase within-group competition
c) To reduce the risk of confrontation with rivals
d) To gather food resources
Explanation: Hilltop reconnaissance allows chimpanzees to detect adversaries by sound and assess the risk of confrontation. The chimpanzees are more likely to advance into dangerous territory when rivals are further away.
3. According to the study, what factors influence chimpanzees’ decision to enter enemy territory?
a) The number of adult males in the rival chimpanzee group
b) The presence of females in the rival chimpanzee group
c) The risk of confrontation with the rival chimpanzee group
d) The availability of food resources in the rival chimpanzee group
Explanation: The study found that chimpanzees are more likely to enter enemy territory when the risk of confrontation is lower. Factors such as the distance between the chimpanzee groups influence this decision.
4. How do chimpanzees communicate with rival groups?
a) Through vocal exchanges from a distance
b) Through physical contact and fights
c) Through visual contacts only
d) Through biting and chasing
Explanation: Chimpanzees engage in inter-group encounters that can involve vocal exchanges from a distance, visual contacts, and physical contacts such as fights, bites, and chases.
5. Why do chimpanzees climb hills during border patrols?
a) To improve visual detection of rival groups
b) To rest and listen in a safe location
c) To make it easier to find food resources
d) To avoid encounters with rival groups
Explanation: Chimpanzees climb hills during border patrols to rest and listen in a safe location. It does not necessarily improve visual detection of rival groups, but it offers improved acoustic conditions to detect adversaries by sound.
6. What percentage of the time do chimpanzees advance into dangerous territory when rivals are about 1.9 miles (3 km) away?
a) 20%
b) 30%
c) 40%
d) 60%
Explanation: According to the study, chimpanzees are 60% likely to advance into dangerous territory when rivals are about 1.9 miles (3 km) away.
7. Why is studying chimpanzee behavior important?
a) To understand the sociality and behavior of ancient hominin species
b) To better understand human genetics
c) To determine chimpanzees’ closest living relatives
d) To learn about chimpanzee territorial behavior
Explanation: Studying chimpanzee behavior helps us better understand our own species, the sociality and behavior of ancient hominin species, and the similarities between humans and wild animals.
Brief Summary | UPSC – IAS
Chimpanzees in the Tai National Park in Ivory Coast have been observed using elevated terrain for tactical advantage in warfare situations. A study by the University of Cambridge found that the chimpanzees would conduct hilltop reconnaissance to assess the risk of confrontation before making forays into enemy territory. The chimpanzees were more likely to enter dangerous territory when rivals were further away, suggesting that they were using the terrain to detect adversaries by sound rather than sight. Chimpanzees are known to be territorial and engage in inter-group encounters, with violence and killing not uncommon.