- Primates include apes, monkeys and even more primitive simians, such as lemurs. Thanks to their intelligence, the higher primates take adaptation beyond anatomical evolution: their behavior transcends instinct thanks to learning and invention. Their social life especially holds the seeds of human culture, such as tribal warfare. They occur in widely different environments, which they cleverly interact with, from icy northern Japan to (mainly) the tropics in Old - and New World.—KGF Vissers
- Life covers the behaviors and social groups of twelve species of primates from all over the globe. From the violently territorial Hamadryas baboons from the Awash of South Ethiopia, to the lively Orangutans of the rain forest in Sumatra, to the demure Japanese Macaques (snow monkeys) located in the brutally cold conditions of Honshu, Nagano. Each species is highlighted with their unique abilities to survive and thrive in each of their respected habitats.
The first of the primate species presented in the documentary was the Hamadryas Baboons. These Old World monkeys can live in social groups of up to four hundred members. Strictly patriarchal, these primates live in bands of harems. Hamadryas baboons can weigh up to forty-pounds and are extremely territorial. The alpha male rules with an iron fist and he has no hesitation in enforcing his will. In the beginning segment, a rival band of baboons entered their territory and a massive conflict erupted. In the mass confusion, males would attempt to steal females as the others were immersed in battle. Any females caught leaving the group; for some in hopes of promoting their status, would receive a harsh punishment from the males sometimes lethal.
On the Japanese island of Honshu, Nagano the Japanese Macaque or Snow Monkey are the northern most dwelling monkeys in the world (Attenborough, 2009). No other primates live in a colder climate. Due to their thick coat of fur, they have the ability to withstand the freezing cold mountains or in arid scrublands. (Attenborough, 2009) This group is matriarchal and has a strict class system; those who have and those who have not. (Attenborough, 2009) They spend most of their time in an area called Monkey Park located in Hells Valley at the base of an active volcano. The hot springs at hand, give them a reprieve from the cold as the thermal pools can reach up to a temperature of one hundred and five degrees. However, only the highest ranking females and their offspring may enjoy this amenity. And this can be the difference between life and death for these primates.
Residing in the warm climate of the tropical forests, the Silver Back Gorilla can reach heights of up to six feet tall and weigh up to four hundred pounds. Mostly eating vegetation and insects, the gorilla can eat up to seventy pounds of food a day. Led by the alpha male, the gorillas live in a stable family environment. In this particular group there are five females, their young, and one male. The males job is to protect the group. In one scene, an unseen rival gorilla roared his presence from nearby. In return, the alpha male of the group displayed chest beating to proclaim his dominance and warded off the intrusive adversary.
Known to have existed for about forty million years, little change has affected the Spectral Tarsier. Located in Sulawesi, Indonesia they are the closest known surviving relative of the first primate. However unlike their ancestors, the spectral tarsiers have evolved to become nocturnal. With less competition, these tiny predators hunt in the darkness in groups and are the only purely carnivorous primates left on the planet. (Attenborough, 2009) As the smallest of all primates, the spectral tarsier measures less than 6 inches long. In fact, their eyes are actually bigger than their brain; conveniently well suited for their nighttime hunts.
The agile and acrobatic Lar Gibbons saturate the lush forest greens of Thailand with their flamboyant and enthusiastic song. The Lar Gibbons communicate by singing; ensuring that neighboring groups know how numerous they are and how big. (Attenborough, 2009) One observed couple; unique to the normal behavior, sang in a duet, as if to proclaim and solidify their bond to one another. It was quite romantic.
In contrast, the Phayres Leaf-Monkey communicates by the color of their fur. Leaf monkey babies are painted in a bright-orange hue as opposed the drab gray adorned by the adults. The offsprings coloring allows for their mothers to keep a better eye on them. But when the mothers go on the hunt, alloparenting sets in and the offspring is looked after by fellow female members of the group. When the babies reach a few months and begin to become independent, they assume the color of the mother.
Like the Tarsiers, another known prosimian are the Lemurs of Madagascar. These ring-tailed primates are characterized by their long snouts and wet noses. Lemurs are generally smaller and more primitive looking than apes or monkeys. (Attenborough, 2009) They can reach a height of one foot and weigh as little; or less than, a housecat. The Lemurs communicate by wafting their tails full of their scent into the air rubbed on from the glands on their wrists. It can be perceived as a sort of personal ad, in hopes of attracting a mate. Males also rub their pungent scent on the bark of trees to stake territory. Females practically doing a handstands, rub their genitals on trees, proclaiming eagerness as they deal with estrus. Males need to act quickly as females can become receptive for only a twenty-four period. Like most prosimians, they use scent markings and their sense of smell to exchange information. (Attenborough, 2009)
The verdant rain forest of Sumatra is home to the largest tree dwelling primates in the world; the Orangutan. In this culture, males have no involvement with their offspring. However; females look after their young for about six-to-seven years, longer than any other primate; except of course, ourselves. (Attenborough, 2009) Mothers teach their young skills necessary for survival. The young must learn to hunt, decipher between two-hundred types of plants and determine which are edible and which are poisonous, and learn how to protect themselves from the elements by building nests high atop the trees. In this culture, wisdom is handed down from one generation to the next. (Attenborough, 2009)
In the furthest, southernmost tip of Africas Cape Peninsula, the Chacma Baboons have intelligently evolved and adapted to their ecosystem. These baboons are unique in that they have modified their diet of poor nutrients in their surrounding environment; such as soil and vegetation, and have devised a more elegant solution. By understanding and reading the tides, these primates can indentify when it is safe and exploit the sea mussels and shark eggs exposed by the low tide. Their powerful jaws and giant fangs are ideal for cracking the unyielding shells, in their ongoing pursuit for sustenance.
By the picturesque shores of Costa Rica; among the mangroves, is one of the most intelligent monkey species in the world: the White-faced Capuchin. These primates are excellent problem solvers. Also with the ability to understand the current, when the tide is out, they harvest as many clams as they can and hammer or roll them against tree trunks and tree limbs; not in hopes of cracking the shell, but rather, in an attempt to exhaust the mollusk, until it can no longer remain shut.
Relative to the White-face Capuchin, the Brown Tufted Capuchin of Brazil, takes the problem solving a step further. Weighing about six pounds, the Brown Tufted Capuchin with the help of dexterity, a high aptitude, and opposable thumbs are able to use tools to: crack open palm nuts, hold liquids, use spongy leaves to absorb fruit juices, and chisel through hard ground and other surfaces.
The closest primate relative to humans, reside in the forest of Bassou in Guinea, West Africa. Here many of the greatest evolutionary achievements of the primate order come together. (Attenborough, 2009). Chimps have complex social relationships. With excellent memories and having a sophisticated way of communicating, chimps can deceive and empathize. However, they can be very altruistic, kind, and have a willingness to share tools. Information is also passed on. Using tools, such as the termite stick can be passed down. Chimps are such quick studies that new techniques can be developed within a single generation and the behavior remains unique to that group. (Attenborough, 2009) However, if a chimp cannot learn a skill by the time theyre eight years old, it is highly unlikely that they will ever be able to gain the skill.
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