I recently watched a BBC documentary about the Congo. It was part of a larger documentary series on Africa narrated by David Attenborough that I highly recommend. Whenever I watch BBC nature documentaries I feel like I learn something new each time. But while I was watching Congo, one scene in particular caught my attention. … Continue reading “Chimpanzee Fire”
Tag: research
The Adaptation Program
The Adaptation Program Yesterday, I read a famous scientific article on adaptation by evolutionary biologists Stephen J. Gould and Richard Lewontin, titled “The Spandrels of San Marco and the Panglossian Paradigm: A Critique of the Adaptationist Programme” (Gould & Lewontin, 1979). Gould & Lewontin criticize what they call the “adaptationist programme” school of thought within … Continue reading The Adaptation Program
Building A Heart
At the moment I am currently organizing the top science discoveries and achievements of 2012 for my site The Advanced Apes. While researching discoveries in health and technology, I couldn't help but marvel in the advancements in stem cell application (Academic Article). While doing this research I was able to put these developments in the context … Continue reading Building A Heart
The Scientific Method
The Scientific Method The scientific method has had a major impact on discourse in the modern world. It has had such a pervasive effect on thought that all other ways of knowing appear to be marginalized. How does this change the way people perceive and understand the scientific method? How are people who use others … Continue reading The Scientific Method
Did Curiosity Discover Life On Mars?
Did Curiosity Discover Life On Mars? John Grotzinger, Curiosity’s chief scientist, recently revealed to NPR that the Mars rover has made a discovery “for the history books.” Is it life? There are several lines of evidence indicating that it is. This would be the biggest scientific discovery of our generation. If Curiosity did discover life, … Continue reading Did Curiosity Discover Life On Mars?
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
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?
A Conservation Story Gone Bad
A Conservation Story Gone Bad In a recent conservation documentary by the BBC the social dynamics between the Afar tribe and the baboons are explored. Throughout the documentary conservation biologist Mat Pines attempts to build a positive relationship with the tribe but ends up failing to understand the root of the conflict. Full Article: A … Continue reading A Conservation Story Gone Bad
Evolution of Primate Sleep
Evolution of Primate Sleep Throughout my young career as a primate researcher I have focused on sleeping patterns in two different species (chimpanzees and ring-tailed lemurs). This research has helped me piece together some of the most important patterns and trends that have characterized the evolution of primate sleep. Full Article: Evolution of Primate Sleep … Continue reading Evolution of Primate Sleep