Humans belong to the primate order classification which means we share a lot of things with other primates. By observing primate’s traits, we can study how the psychical and behavioral traits which are similar and different and ultimately look at how we have evolved in relation to other primates. It is important to mention that there are suborders of primates that categorize different animals into groups with similar characteristics, and the group humans belong to is known as Anthropoids. Therefore, primates that fit into these categories of anthropoids share similarities that can provide explanations of why some traits exist in humans. From the videos, we watch for class I found the physical traits we share with primates to be very interesting. It was discussed that traits such as are hands and the way they are able to wrap around objects is related to the necessity to hold onto branches and live in forest environments. Also, humans eye sight is shared with other primates. The way we see color relates to detecting objects in moderate contrast environments. This also has to do with the fact that primates tend to live in forest environments and still needed to be able to see when there was light coming through the trees. Human not only share psychical traits but also behavioral traits. Primates seem to rely on learned behaviors more heavily, which explains why as humans we spend so much time growing up and maturing. Another behavior shared is the fact that primates live in groups. We see primates live in groups due to food, sex, and danger aspects. These aspects can vaguely apply to the reasons why humans live in group like societies.

One piece of information that surprised me was from the article “What Is War Good for? Ask a Chimpanzee”. In this article is talks about a four-year war between two rival group of chimpanzees. One conclusion could be that if chimpanzees are capable of such slaughter that the instinct to kill maybe an inherited trait. Personally, I think it is the other way of explaining the violence, that it may be more of a matter of circumstance. This idea of circumstance brings up a good point, instead of claiming ancestors as the source for are similarities maybe we have to look at it from a different rationale. It’s important to look at the different explanations for why we might share similar biological and psychical characteristics with non-human primates.

I think by studying non-human primates we are able to examine their models of interaction, reproduction, habitation, etc. By studying these models, we can relate them back to the models we have created in our own society. We can better understand our biology, behavior, and culture through the similarities and differences.