Photo: F.Mariotti, Science North
- The
scientific name for the chimpanzee is: Pan (all) troglodytes (cave dwellers).
- Chimpanzees
are more closely related to humans than they are even to gorillas.
- Chimpanzees
have a gestation of 8 months, live up to 60 years, and create family
bonds that last a lifetime, even dying of grief when separated from
a loved one.
- In
the wild chimpanzees have a complex communication system; in captivity
they are able to learn American Sign Language and other symbol languages.
- Chimpanzees
are very social primates that use facial expressions, vocalizations,
body language, grooming, and even kisses and pats to communicate with
members of their group.
- Young
chimps learn to create tools from objects in their environment by watching
others; they use sticks to extract termites to eat and crumple leaves
to soak up water to drink.
- Just
like people, mother chimpanzees often develop lifelong relationships
with their offspring.
- Young
chimps and young baboons sometimes play together when they meet in the
forest.
- By
following wild chimps through the forests, scientists discovered that
chimps use medicinal plants to treat themselves for illness and injury.
- Because chimpanzees closely resemble humans, studying their behaviour and biology may provide great insight for solving the mysteries of our own ancestry and social development.
Photo: F.Mariotti, Science North
