Primatology & Jane Goodall

Who is Jane Goodall?

• Renowned primatologist, ethnologist, and anthropologist

• Known for her groundbreaking study of chimpanzees

• From a young age she was fascinated by animals and travelling to Africa to study them

Summarize Jane Goodall’s field work.

1. In 1957, travelled to Kenya

2. Met famous anthropologist, Dr. Louis Leakey

3. Leaky saw potential and invited her to study chimpanzees 

4. She had no formal degree, but was determined 

5. It took weeks to see the chimps.  Jane sat in the same spot for weeks until finally the chimpanzees felt comfortable enough to come and see her.

6. In 1960, arrived at Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania 

7. Observed wild chimpanzees

8. Lived and worked in the forest, often alone

9. Took detailed notes of behaviours and interactions 

10. Over 60 years studying chimpanzees

11. Her fieldwork in Gombe continues through the Jane Goodall Institute

12. Still active as a global advocate for wildlife conservation

What were the key findings of Jane’s research?

1. Complex social structures (hierarchy, alliances, emotional bonds)

2. Aggression & war-like behaviour (chimps aren’t peaceful as once thought)

3. Different culture (use tools and grooming techniques that vary depending on the group)

4. Family bonding and maternal care (strong bonds between mothers and offspring during development)

5. Communication (vocalization, gestures, facial expressions to convey emotions — like humans)

6. Human to animal continuum (blurred lines between humans and chimpanzees — may be more similar than expected)

List differences between Humans vs. Primates.

• Bipedal

• Preform tasks standing up

• Communicate with complex and abstract ideas through language

• Pass on ideas to future generations using language

List similarities between Humans vs. Primates.

• Opposable thumbs

• 3-D binocular vision

• Highly developed brain

• Offspring remain independent of parents

• Social creatures

• Capacity for aggression

• Use of tools