Evolution of Suicide Researchers have known for two centuries now that male suicide occurs at a much higher rate than female suicide. Can a cultural explanation alone explain this disparity? What do evolutionary theorist know about suicide? And can it help us decrease the male suicide rate? Full Article: Evolution of Suicide on The Advanced … Continue reading Evolution of Suicide
Tag: chimpanzee
The Real Culture Wars
The Real Culture Wars When we think of culture, we tend to think about material products of human civilization and/or variation of traditions, rituals, and beliefs between different human populations. And of course, these are products of human culture. But does culture distinguish humans from all other animals? Are any other animals cultural? If so, … Continue reading The Real Culture Wars
Chimpanzee Trafficking
Chimpanzee Trafficking Chimpanzee trafficking is a growing problem throughout the world. Wild chimpanzees are taken from their troops illegally and sold overseas to zoos, hotels, and medical facilities in Europe, Asia, and North America. Trafficking adds to the litany of problems chimpanzees already face, making it difficult to ensure their safety and survival in the … Continue reading Chimpanzee Trafficking
Building The Genetic Bridge
Building The Genetic Bridge Scientists have discovered a gene that is unique to humans and plays a significant role in language and speech. This may be one of the first functional genes identified that makes us different from the great apes. However, we should expect to find other genes that play a critical role in … Continue reading Building The Genetic Bridge
A Great Crisis
A Great Crisis Social scientists have established that humans experience a U-shaped happiness curve throughout their life. Middle-aged individuals seem to be less happy than other individuals regardless of socio-cultural or economic factors. A recent study has revealed that this may be a shared pattern with great apes. Over 508 captive chimpanzees and orangutans were … Continue reading A Great Crisis
Communicating With Bonobos
Communicating With Bonobos Panbanisha (Nov 17, 1985-Nov 6, 2012) died recently from a cold at The Great Ape Trust. Her entire life was a linguistic experiment that taught us a great deal about the linguistic capabilities of apes, and also what separates our species from the great apes. Future research into the origins of language, … Continue reading Communicating With Bonobos
A True Environmentalist
A True Environmentalist Jane Goodall is well-know for her work with chimpanzees in Tanzania. However, her work attempting to protect the environment and conserve all life has been her greatest contribution and gift to our species and planet. Although she will always be known as a famous primatologist, she is also a true environmentalist. Full … Continue reading A True Environmentalist
The State of Things
The State of Things African great ape populations are facing several anthropogenic threats (e.g., hunting, disease transmission, habitat loss). A recent study has revealed that habitat loss may be the most critical and is a far larger threat than previously believed by experts. If the rate of habitat loss continues to increase, the African great … Continue reading The State of Things
Can There Be Another Jane Goodall?
Can There Be Another Jane Goodall? Charles Darwin, Louis Leakey and Jane Goodall are all evolutionary pioneers and intellectual pillars of contemporary evolutionary thought. However, their discoveries and contributions to the various evolutionary fields were uniquely historically contingent. Is it possible for any modern day evolutionary academics to make comparable breakthroughs? Full Article: Can There … Continue reading Can There Be Another Jane Goodall?
Meeting With Jane
Meeting With Jane Jane Goodall has been a tremendous influence to me academically. Her research inspired me to study chimpanzees, learn about human evolution and attempt to make a career for myself in academia. Recently I had a chance to meet and speak with her and it was once of the most memorable events in … Continue reading Meeting With Jane