NON-HUMAN PRIMATES The social organization of non-human primates can provide useful information on how human social evolution occurs. We will examine the main points of how similar and different nonhuman primates such as chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas compare to our human society. Chimpanzee social organization and communication Chimpanzees (Figure 1) are our closest living relatives and they share 99% of our DNA (1). Chimpanzees have distinct group territoriality. Male chimpanzees “patrol” near the border between the two ranges, at which time they move very carefully and silently, and may stop listening and observing the range of their neighbors. People who patrol risk facing cruel and violent attacks, injury and even death. If the two parties of two communities meet, intense excitement and aggressive display may occur. Usually, the largest group holds its own, and interaction between different chimpanzee communities can even lead to group attacks. The expansion of the community area is necessary for their social organizations, the cooperation of males can defend the territory and increase the reproductive rates of resident females by excluding female and male competitors. Body contact is as common in their social life as grooming (1). Typically, chimpanzees groom each other to show harmony and solidarity in their society (Figure 2). Preparing each other demonstrates the deep bonds and close relationship between them. Furthermore, they can also hug, hold hands, touch, kiss as a way of emotional expression (2). To show how powerful a chimpanzee is, the male can swing, chop down trees, drag them, throw sticks and stones, and stomp......the center of the card......higher and more complicated grade. Further research conducted on nonhuman primates can help us better understand our social, ecological and cultural roots. References 1) BMde Waal, Tree of Origin: What Primate Behavior Can Tell Us about Human Social Evolution. Havard University Press: Massachusetts, 2001.2) Chimpanzee communication. Retrieved March 20 from 3) Galdikas, M et al.Great Ape Odyssey. Harry N. Abrams Inc., publishers. 2005.4) Behavior of chimpanzees. Website of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. Retrieved March 20 from 5) Vergano, D. Scientist scratches the surface of chimpanzee communication. United States today. April 6, 2006. Retrieved March 20 from