1. Are humans the only species to have culture?

Describe supporting evidence discussed as it

relates to apes.
Humans are not the only species to have culture. For instance, the young apes watch their
parents closely, and copy the actions of their parents, similar to how humans watch their parents
to learn behaviors. The idea of apes being able to copy is through the experiment with the slot
machine puzzle, where one ape completed the puzzle, and the other apes were able to learn
just from watching. Learning from imitation is one aspect of culture.
2. Are humans the only species that have emotions? Describe supporting evidence discussed
as it relates to apes.
Humans are not the only species capable of emotions. For instance, the documentary discusses
how chimps are scared of water, and this is showcased by the fact that the chimp held onto a
branch in fear while testing out the water. However, the documentary then goes on to suggest
that the chimps are also capable of feeling joy, as evident by the reaction that the chimp had
when they were able to touch the water. Another example is when the chimp mother had a two
year old baby, who passed away. After the death of the child, the mother carried the child's body
around, seemingly depressed and in denial over the death of her child.
3. Name three similarities between humans and ape behaviors (think about learning ability,
impulsivity, emotions etc.). Be precise and provide examples.
Humans and apes are similar in that they are able to learn from experience, the most
experienced ways to gather food and use tools. For instance, to find bush babies the chimps
use crafted spears, similar to humans, to hunt food. Another example of this is when the chimps
were using sticks like shovels in order to catch termites. Another similarity is that both apes and
humans have culture, which is passed down from parents to children, through generations. This
can be seen through the slot machine where it was proven that apes learn from each other
merely through imitating the actions of another. Another similarity between human and ape
behaviors is that they can understand what others want, and also the difference between good
and bad, suggesting that, like humans, apes have morals. This can be seen through the
example where there is a board of food between two chimps, and one chimp has a rope while
the other doesn't, so when the second chimp pulls the rope they get the food while the other
doesn't, and the one who lost out gets upset. However, when the researcher is the one who
moves the board, the chimp doesnt get upset, which suggests that they have a sense of justice
comparable to humans, where they don't punish someone who wasn't in the wrong.
4. Name three areas where humans and ape behaviors differ. Be precise and provide
examples.
One area where humans and ape behaviors differ is when it comes to impulse control. For
instance, when conducting the experiment with treats and two chimps, the chimp always chose
the bowl with the most treats in it and couldn't resist it. However, with humans, they are more
likely to be able to resist impulses, though not every time. Another difference between human
and ape behavior is that humans are predisposed to copying, so in the event where they were
exposed to an opaque puzzle box versus a clear one, the children continued to mindless
behaviors, while the chimps skipped to the treat. This reveals that humans are unique in that
they can teach each other. This is believed to be a uniquely human trait. Lastly, human and ape
behaviors differ when it comes to “pointing” or body language. Pointing creates a triangle
between both people and an object, with the attempt to direct the focus of both people onto the
thing in the environment. Apes don't seem to have this same cognitive ability.
5. What aspects stood out to you when learning about ape behavior during this video?
One of the things that stood out to me the most was when the researcher questioned where
apes start, and humans begin, but also about whether we just need to expand our idea of what
is human. I think this encompassed what the documentary was showcasing, which is that apes
behave in many of the same ways as humans, as in they feel emotions and have a culture,
especially regarding family life. For instance, when the bonobos refused to let the researcher
get the body of a deceased bonobo out of the enclosure, and the bonobos, despite the
deceased one not being one of their own, were very protective over the body. Overall, it was
surprising to see how much the apes compare to humans, as they are always considered to be
lesser than. However, it seems that apes are almost on par with humans, despite a few
differences.
6. After watching the documentary, please read this short article (
https://www.science.org/content/article/research-lab-chimps-over-why-have-so-few-been-retired-
sanctuariesLinks to an external site.), and (a) discuss how this video and article may or may not
have changed the way you think about animal ethics and laboratory testing on apes. Be
specific, or you will not receive credit. Note: Ensure that you justify your position as to whether
you agree, disagree, or partially agree with why we should or should not continue to conduct lab
studies on chimpanzees. Don't just say 'I think or feel...". Justify your position and the logic of
your thought process. I need to see evidence you've read this article in order for you to receive
credit.
I partially agree with the fact that we should continue to conduct lab studies on Chimpanzees.
First of all, in the article there did not seem to really be any conclusive evidence for the fact that
the apes were being harmed through the experimentation. It seemed to provide a lot of
reasoning for the slow movement of chimps from research facilities to sanctuaries, but I was still
left wondering what harm is actually being done to the chimps, emotionally and physically, that
has created a leap toward their retirement. Naturally, I can see that many experiments that have
occurred on chimps may be harmful to the ape in some form, but it seems that we have learned
quite a lot about our biology through the experimentation on apes. However, after watching the
documentary, and learning that apes feel many of the same emotions as humans, and have the
mental capacities to deal with ideas such as grief and loss, I feel that it might not be beneficial to
continue studying them, as if we award humans the dignity of forgoing this experiments, and
apes share many similarities with humans, it seems unethical to continue experimenting on
them. Also, as the article points out, many of the studies done on apes, especially when it
comes to biomedicine, have proven to be unnecessary. Overall, my opinion on animal ethics
and laboratory testing on apes hasn't changed much, as I have always considered the subject to
be a complicated one.