Studying non-human primates provides a large amount of information on human evolution. By studying fossils and DNA, as well as studying the evolution of non-human primates we can examine human evolution. Scientific evidence from the articles and videos in the course provide supporting data on the shared physical and behavioral traits between humans and non-human primates. This evolution began originating from apelike ancestors in Africa. By studying apes and monkeys we can better understand human evolution and the earliest defining human traits such as bipedalism, the use of tools, capacity of language, and symbolic and cultural traits.

When trying to understand human evolution, many try to create a timeline of our ancestors in chronological order. However, our readings have suggested that it is highly complex and difficult to determine exactly how many generations we have to pass before the two lines meet between two completely different species. According to the article “Our True Dawn: Pinning Down Human Origins” by Catherine Brahic. Brahic addresses the argument over our lineage split from chimps. This argument by Brahic helped establish a timeline between this lineage of humans and chimps, and addressed more accurate ways for us to study human evolution. According to the article, Using data from 226 offspring born in eight wild chimp populations, Langergraber found that, on average, chimps reproduce when they are 24-and-a-half (PNAS, vol 109, p 15716). Based on the new numbers, his team estimated the human lineage went its separate way at least 7 million years ago, and possibly as far back as 13 million years ago. By studying fossils and looking at DNA, we are able to gain more exact and accurate dates to understand the lineage. The evidence suggested from Brahic demonstrate that the human lineage is significantly older, and our closest living relatives more distant, than scientist once thought. Instead of viewing humans and separate and distinct from the rest of the animal kingdom, Brahic views humans as more separate and a bit more distinct.

In addition to learning more in regard to human evolution, I found it interesting in the article that addressed how social and ecological factors may cause various evolvements in monkeys. The article, “What Is Ware Good For? Ask a Chimpanzee” by Erin Wayman, addresses what apes and monkeys can teach us about the roots of human aggression. I found it interesting the dynamic over the duration of the four-year war where the chimpanzees were hunting down and killing all of its adult males. Wayman explains how the variation within and between species demonstrates how flexible their behavior is, responding to different circumstances as they arise. This ideology is used in reference to an example of the Chimpanzees in the Taï Forest. Wayman explains that there are less chimp murders at this specific location because the chimps have more tight-knit communities. In addition, Wayman suggests that the animals probably stay in closer contact throughout the day because the risk of being eaten by a leopard is higher at Taï than at other field sites, and safety in numbers is their best defense against this predator. As a consequence, it’s less likely that a gang of male chimps will find a vulnerable individual to attack. I found this interesting and that this mechanism with the chimps transcends to the evolution of humans and the decision making in new areas and communities. In addition, I found it interesting the claims that Wayman made in regard to warfare over the past hundred thousand years. For example, Wayman stated in the article that warfare probably didn’t escalate in size and frequency until the past few hundred thousand years, as Homo sapiens evolved and developed greater brainpower and more complex culture, and more things to fight over. Today, human biology, ecology, and culture interact in ways that allow humans to be the most violent, despicable beings on Earth—as well as the planet’s most compassionate, cooperative creatures. I found that the evolution of biological and behavioral characteristics that evolved over time greatly relate to the evolution of human culture and behavior within communities over time.