Why do ppl study non-human primates to understand human behavior?

Answer 1

We are very closely related to them. In fact, we share so much DNA with the chimps, over 98%, that there are some who argue that we really should be classified as another type of chimp or that they should be another type of homo (the genus, not the slur).

Since we are so closely related, it is a valid idea that they may be living in a similar way to our ancestors. The bonobos are a favorite right now. First of all, they are awesome. Secondly, their diet and habitat are similar to those of human predecessors. By studying the ways that they behave, we may gain an insight into the cultural environment in which humanity arose. We don't have much idea of what kind of culture earlier hominids might have had, particularly the farther back we go. Did Lucy's family feel sad when she died? How did they care for their children? What kind of group did they hang out in- one male, many females? A mix? How much self-awareness did they have? These are all questions that we hope primate study can shed light on.

Answer 2

Humans and chimps, for example, are believed to have a common ancestor 5 to 7 million years ago. By studying the behavior of chimps, we can learn which behaviors are innate or which might have developed as the result of our culture. It is important to understand that we didn't evolve from chimps or any other living primate, we evolved from the common ancestors, so our behavior as well as theirs may have modified significantly in the millions of years since.

Answer 3

because humans are the most intelligent beings and primates are the second. So they test human behaviors or whatever on primates because they're reactions would be most similar to humans, more so than other animals. And if they don't want to study on humans, they study on primates. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Because much of the way humans interract with the world comes from our ancient, primitive, instinctual aspect. This aspect is still present in non-human primates and in a much clearer, more easily understood context.

Answer 5

i think of faith is a cultural phenomena having no longer something to do with organic and organic evolution. I additionally think of it particularly is obtrusive faith creates plenty extra problems than it solves, frequently because of the fact overzealous believers are so infamously illiberal of those with whom they disagree. some centuries in the past, non secular intolerance had reached the element the place political revolutions grew to develop into had to expel non secular tyranny from civil governance. Now maximum folk get excitement from that mutual tolerance is a needed prerequisite to residing in freedom and, if the non secular proceed to many times intervene on each individual's authentic to stay their lives as they desire, we are in simple terms one Constitutional modification far off from making superstitious faith concern to a similar criminal methods which regulate another ingredient of present day civilization. non secular freedom replaced right into a political compromise had to be certain the international's secular democracies. Now that residing in freedom has develop into the norm, could the brazenly non secular proceed to many times intervene on persons's elementary liberties, it particularly is no longer unreasonable to anticipate a 2d political revolution in simple terms could end the interest all started extra effective than 2 centuries in the past.

Answer 6

Because doing it with people would be PI. Apes don't have that problem.

Answer 7

good question. i have a dregree in anthropology and i always questioned that.