Chimps and meat?

Question

I am having a bit of a debate with a raw-food guru whom I very much respect but who I think may be fudging the facts on a certain issue. Namely, he claims that if chimps (of any species) have an abundant supply of plant food, they will eat virtually no meat (either vertebrate or invertebrate).

Is this true, or will chimps and other largely herbivorous/frugivorous primates continue to eat meat when they have sufficient plant food in their habitats? Also, whatever your answer, what is your source?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Many primates will eat, both ape and monkey... and yes even if there is plenty of non-meat food about.

Chimps are known to hunt in their troops and kill and eat not only those from their own troop but rival troops as well. They have been known to do so with their own bare hands as well as tools. What was it, a few months ago (?) they caught chimps stabbing spears they had made into tree holes to kill and extract animals like bush babies and whatever else they could find.

There are also cases of primates hunting down small hoofstock as well. Such behavior is mainly restricted to species of chimps when it comes to apes though gorillas and orangutans and some of the larger species have been seen eating meat other than insects. With them it tends to be more of a very rare thing when fruits, veges, grass, insects, etc are hard to find.. or if something meatie is a very easy kill.

Mostly though you will see chimps and larger species of monkeys eating meat on a regular basis.

Answer 2

Well, if humans (who can be the descendants of apes, if you think scientifically) need to eat a balanced diet to stay healthy and fit, why shouldn't apes (and other herbivorous/frugivorous primates) do the same? I'm not so sure about this question, but I think they still would eat meat...I mean, a grilled 18-ounce, succulent steak with a tasty sauce sounds a bit more appealing for me than steamed brocolli...

Answer 3

i think of chimps can be sure on their very own what they choose or do not choose. whether it grew to become into in basic terms for social interaction, it continues to be a "choose", an critical portion of their very own societal norms and interactions. As a exact cousin species, you are able to evaluate yet you are able to not and should not impose human standards on them. And it as been reported that the nourishment and style provided with the aid of meat is relished with the aid of many guy or woman and communities of chimps. specific they're cannibals yet so are human beings. the main significant explanation why cannibalism is now not a popular practice between human beings is by technique of the fact it unlawful and now not culturally desirable between maximum folk.

Answer 4

Pan troglodyte will hunt and eat game regardless of vegetative/fruit abundance. ( especially the male coalitions ) This is quite common knowledge, so I will assume your guru friend is ideologically motivated to say what he is saying. Many of these people are in the moralistic fallacy; wanting to believe, in spite of the truth.

Answer 5

They wouldn't need to eat meat. They would probably just go fishing for insects (you should know what I mean by that) if they need more protein. Would you go to Mcdonald's if you had a hundred burgers?