Lecture 15 Study Cards

Primates as models for early human behavior

• humans evolved in a mixed woodland/savanna setting

• non human primates make good models for early human behavior bcs of intellignece

• increased intelligene and ability to learn

• Humans share 97 % of DNA wl chimps, 99% w/ bonos

physical and social attributes

• bipedal

• large brains relative to body wieght

• concealed ovulation

• advanced use of symbolic language

• culture as a primary adaptive strategy

Encephalization

proportional size of the brain relative to overall body

Non human primates

• humans use a set of written or spoken symobls w/ no meaning of their own

• non - human primates don’t talk - due to their anatomy of their voal tract

  • differences in language -related structures in the brain.

• many have been taught ASL

Washo, koko, kanzi

1966, Washo → infant female chimp was taught to use ASL

Learn < 132 signs in 3 years

She was asked about:

• words

• objects

• events around her

Koko,

female lowland gorilla was taight more than 500 signs & communicated w/ micheal - male gorlla using ASL

Kanzi and his half sister → spontaneously acqure & use symbols understand representational value of symbols but resluts varied.

Altruism

bhevaing in a manner that benefits another individual but causes some risk or cost to oneself.

Kin Selection

risky or self sacrificing behaviors are more likely to be performed for the benefit of a relative who shares Genes with the perfomer.

reciprocal altruism

the recipient of an altruistic act might return the favor.