Science a GoGo's Home Page Forums General Discussion General Science Discussion Forum Chimpanzees 'hunt using spears'

"Chimpanzees in Senegal have been observed making and using wooden spears to hunt other primates, according to a study in the journal Current Biology.

Researchers documented 22 cases of chimps fashioning tools to jab at smaller primates sheltering in cavities of hollow branches or tree trunks. "

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6387611.stm

Makes you think about the definition of man as the tool-using ape, doesn't it?

Fascinating stuff. Next thing ya know they'll be passing on oral traditions about a Great Flood.

From the article:

"It's classic in primates that when there is a new innovation, particularly in terms of tool use, the younger generations pick it up very quickly. The last ones to pick up are adults, mainly the males", said Dr Pruetz,

Now what was that about computers and Ipods again?

Those smart youngsters are learning to use the tools from their mothers terry!

Now what was that about educating a woman and you educate a family!

Ellis. I admit that children often learn the modern technologies off each other rather than their mothers.

You wrote:

"Now what was that about educating a woman and you educate a family!"

Yes. In fact I actually believe the distribution of modern human mitochodrial DNA lines indicates nothing more than the expansion of various cultures. Expanding groups bred with locals as they expanded. We know this has certainly happened within relatively recent times.

Hmmm, is this news?

Chimps have been observed for years poking sticks into ants nests and tree hollows. I think the term "spear" is causing the excitement. Call me old-fashioned, but a spear needs to be thrown, doesn't it? Otherwise it's just a stick.

Now, where's that black obelisk?

Au contraire Kate. Spears were almost never thrown in combat.

Once you throw it the only thing left to do is turn and run.

Spear throwing, for the most part, is Hollywood.

terry-Here is a quote from the article---note the last sentence. The young chimps pick this behaviour up from their mothers, the matriachs of the chimp colony, and then pass the knowledge on to others. I also, extrapolated that the female is the educator for human society too (indirectly). I was not being wholly serious, intending only to make passing mention of it!!! (In other words, it was a joke).

Quote---
But the authors of the paper in Current Biology said females, particularly adolescent females, and young chimps in general were seen exhibiting this behaviour more frequently than adult males.

"It's classic in primates that when there is a new innovation, particularly in terms of tool use, the younger generations pick it up very quickly. The last ones to pick up are adults, mainly the males," said Dr Pruetz, who led the National Geographic Society-funded project.

This is because young chimps pick the skill up from their mothers, with whom they spend a lot of their time.

Or because dad is on the couch drinking a beer and talking about the good old days.

No doubt wishing he had a remote to click.

Exactly!!

Ain't that the truth. Chimpanzees really are the same as us.

Don't insult the chimps.

Sorry