My Science School

        Bonobo are an endangered species. Due to their size, they are also known as the pygmy chimpanzees, dwarf or gracile chimpanzees. Once, scientists thought that they were a sub-species of chimpanzees. However, today, we know that they are a distinct species. Very often, both bonobos and common chimpanzees are collectively known by the generalized term chimpanzees.

        Bonobo have distinct physical features. They have relatively long legs, pink lips, and a dark face and tail-tufts as they reach their adulthood.

        These apes have parted long hair on their heads. When it comes to similarities with humans, the bonobos are as close as the chimpanzees!

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        There is no question as to who is more intelligent between a man and chimpanzees, or any other animal. However, when it comes to physics strength and stamina, Man may take back seat. An adult chimpanzee is far superior to Man when it comes to physical strength.

        Chimpanzees live in groups in which 20 to 25 individuals stay together. One or two large males are the leaders of such groups. The others are some young males and females with their young. It is common among the chimpanzees to get into territorial disputes. The male leader with a broader chest and muscular arms can hurl large boulders and branches of trees with ease.

        However, the chimpanzee is no match for Man who possesses modern weapons. These marvelous creatures are hunted for meat even today. One of the dangers that chimpanzees face today, apart from habitat loss, is poaching.

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        All primates live in societies. Much like humans they build up a family, play roles in the community and enjoy each other’s company. Chimpanzees have the most complex life among all the apes.

        A chimpanzee community consists of loose and flexible groups of males and females. Scientists call it ‘fusion and fission’ societies. They live in a fixed home range, led by a dominant male. It is not necessary that the members of a community should stick to it forever. One can leave or join these communities at will. However, all these depend on their reproductive status and the availability of resources.

        Chimpanzees have a complex set of communication mechanisms. Zoologists have observed that, through innumerable facial expressions, body postures, gestures, signs and sounds, these animals can work out how to solve simple problems in the wild and in captivity.

        Chimpanzees seem to be the link between the world of animals and our human world, as they are our closest relatives. The body structure, genes, behavior patterns and intelligence of these animals and their history of evolution suggest that chimpanzees are Man’s cousins!

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        Every organism has a vital and indispensable role in nature. Every time an animal species becomes extinct, it adversely affects the equilibrium that nature sustains on Earth. Orang-utans have a key role as they are known as the ‘gardeners of the forest.’

        Orang-utans play a significant role as they help disperse seeds in forests. They are also important in maintain the health of the forest ecosystem. They fulfill this important task and animals like tigers, Asian elephants, Sumatran rhinos and we, human beings, benefits from this. Therefore, conserving the habitat of orang-utans is essential for local communities of human beings, and other animal species in the ecosystem.

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        Although primates are generally fond of trees, not all apes prefer staying up on a tree. Among apes, the largest tree-climbing mammal is the orang-utan. A male orang-utan grows to 1.4 metres tall, and weighs about 75 kilograms. A female ape weighs around 37 kilograms only. An orang-utan’s arms are strong and powerful. Its hands can grow longer than their legs, and can reach 2 metres in length! Therefore, when an orang-utan stands upright, its hands touch the ankles of its feet.

        Two different types of orang-utans are generally identified: flanged and unflanged. Flanged male orang-utans have prominent cheek pads and throat sacs. These animals can make loud verbalizations called ‘long calls’, using the throat coat of dark hair on their back.

        Orang-utans are facing a bleak future as their forest habitats in Indonesia and Malaysia are rapidly disappearing due to human intervention.

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        We all know that humans are the most intelligent of all organisms. A proof of our intelligence is our ability to use sophisticated tools. Among animals, there are a few that can use simple tools. Gorillas are considered highly intelligent, as they are capable of using tools.

        Some gorillas have displayed a capacity to learn some sign language too. A gorilla named Koko started learning sign language from the age of one and the time she was 40, she had acquired about 1000 signs, and could understand about 2000 words in English.

        Their intelligence is evident in their communication skills too. Gorillas have been said to produce about 25 different sounds with diverse meanings.

        Do you know that gorillas can laugh? Apes in general have that ability. In fact, the great apes laugh, express grief, have individual colour preferences, make use of tools and think about the past and the future.

Picture Credit : Google