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Why should we study chimpanzees? The answer lies in our striking genetic similarity. Humans and chimpanzees share 98.8% of their DNA, which is more than the genetic similarity between Asian and African elephants (which is only 95%). This close relationship makes chimpanzees a crucial subject for understanding ourselves, particularly in the more primitive, instinctual behaviors that still influence us.
Watch the part of a talk Frans de Waal.
Chimpanzees provide profound insights into the political and social behaviors that resonate deeply with human societies. For example, the alpha male in a chimpanzee group is often not the physically strongest individual but the one most adept at forming strategic alliances. While physical strength can elevate an individual to the top, maintaining power typically requires coalition-building. Strong but politically savvy leaders often secure their position with the support of two to four experienced elders.
This scenario mirrors human political systems where young, charismatic leaders often rely on older, more experienced figures for support and guidance.
Interestingly, the lower one moves in the social hierarchy, the higher its stress level. The exception is related to the one in the top. Leader have the same stres level as the specimens in the very botton. In both chimpanzees and humans, stress levels is indicated by cortisol measurements. Those in the second layer experience the lowest stress level, benefiting from their status without the high costs of leadership.
In terms of reproduction, only the males who reach the highest ranks are allowed to mate with the females. Hence, they fight to be in the top. And while it is clear who is the mother, it is unkown who is the father, hence the males take care of every female (generally they are pregnant or breastfeeding) and of every cub.
The political maneuvers observed in chimpanzees offer a direct parallel to human leadership dynamics, suggesting that our own political systems may not be as far removed from our primate relatives as we might think.
Homage: Ideas from this text were retrieved from the work of Frans de Waal, the netherland researcher who devoted his life to study chimpanzees and in consequences, human nature.
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