scholarly journals Do chimpanzees like alcohol?

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-75
Author(s):  
Ruth Maria Thomsen ◽  
Anja Zschoke
Keyword(s):  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Great Apes ◽  
Genetic Mutation ◽  
Last Common Ancestor ◽  
Food Scarcity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
First Time ◽  
Apple Puree ◽  
Feeding Behaviours ◽  
Apple Purée

In the last common ancestor of modern humans and the three living African ape species a genetic mutation occurred that increased the rate that alcohol was metabolized. This fact initially supports the "drunken monkey hypothesis" which states that natural selection should have favoured individuals that routinely incorporated alcohol- and thus energy-rich fruits into their diet. However, random observations from apes living in the wild do not provide evidence for such kind of choosey feeding behaviours. To investigate whether or not the living great apes have evolved a preference of alcohol-rich fruits over normal ripe fruits we performed a bioassay with captive chimpanzees offering them apple puree with and without rum flavour. Initially, the chimpanzees were curious about the alcohol-flavoured apple puree and feed on it when it was presented to them for the very first time. Once tasted, however, they lost interest in it indicating that chimpanzees are able to perceive, but do not prefer alcohol-rich fruits more than non-alcoholic fruits. Thus, we think that for our hominoid ancestors from the late Miocene the possibility to consume alcohol-rich fruits was helpful to survive periods of food scarcity, but did not lead to a genetic predisposition for alcohol.

scholarly journals Experimental evidence for yawn contagion in orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus)

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evy van Berlo ◽  
Alejandra P. Díaz-Loyo ◽  
Oscar E. Juárez-Mora ◽  
Mariska E. Kret ◽  
Jorg J. M. Massen
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Evidence ◽  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Great Apes ◽  
Pongo Pygmaeus ◽  
Last Common Ancestor ◽  
Contagious Yawning ◽  
Proximate Mechanism ◽  
Social Species ◽  
Ultimate Causation

AbstractYawning is highly contagious, yet both its proximate mechanism(s) and its ultimate causation remain poorly understood. Scholars have suggested a link between contagious yawning (CY) and sociality due to its appearance in mostly social species. Nevertheless, as findings are inconsistent, CY’s function and evolution remains heavily debated. One way to understand the evolution of CY is by studying it in hominids. Although CY has been found in chimpanzees and bonobos, but is absent in gorillas, data on orangutans are missing despite them being the least social hominid. Orangutans are thus interesting for understanding CY’s phylogeny. Here, we experimentally tested whether orangutans yawn contagiously in response to videos of conspecifics yawning. Furthermore, we investigated whether CY was affected by familiarity with the yawning individual (i.e. a familiar or unfamiliar conspecific and a 3D orangutan avatar). In 700 trials across 8 individuals, we found that orangutans are more likely to yawn in response to yawn videos compared to control videos of conspecifics, but not to yawn videos of the avatar. Interestingly, CY occurred regardless of whether a conspecific was familiar or unfamiliar. We conclude that CY was likely already present in the last common ancestor of humans and great apes, though more converging evidence is needed.

scholarly journals Femoral ontogeny in humans and great apes and its implications for their last common ancestor

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoki Morimoto ◽  
Masato Nakatsukasa ◽  
Marcia S. Ponce de León ◽  
Christoph P. E. Zollikofer
Keyword(s):  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Great Apes ◽  
Last Common Ancestor

scholarly journals Reconstructing the ancestral phenotypes of great apes and humans (Homininae) using subspecies-level phylogenies

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keaghan J Yaxley ◽  
Robert A Foley
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Phenotypic Variation ◽  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Phylogenetic Signal ◽  
Great Apes ◽  
Last Common Ancestor ◽  
Ancestral State ◽  
Great Ape ◽  
Subspecies Level ◽  
African Great Apes

Abstract Owing to their close affinity, the African great apes are of interest in the study of human evolution. Although numerous researchers have described the ancestors we share with these species with reference to extant great apes, few have done so with phylogenetic comparative methods. One obstacle to the application of these techniques is the within-species phenotypic variation found in this group. Here, we leverage this variation, modelling common ancestors using ancestral state reconstructions (ASRs) with reference to subspecies-level trait data. A subspecies-level phylogeny of the African great apes and humans was estimated from full-genome mitochondrial DNA sequences and used to implement ASRs for 14 continuous traits known to vary between great ape subspecies. Although the inclusion of within-species phenotypic variation increased the phylogenetic signal for our traits and improved the performance of our ASRs, whether this was done through the inclusion of subspecies phylogeny or through the use of existing methods made little difference. Our ASRs corroborate previous findings that the last common ancestor of humans, chimpanzees and bonobos was a chimp-like animal, but also suggest that the last common ancestor of humans, chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas was an animal unlike any extant African great ape.

scholarly journals The comparative neuroprimatology 2018 (CNP-2018) road map for research on How the Brain Got Language

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 370-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Arbib ◽  
Francisco Aboitiz ◽  
Judith M. Burkart ◽  
Michael Corballis ◽  
Gino Coudé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Cultural Evolution ◽  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Great Apes ◽  
Last Common Ancestor ◽  
Road Map ◽  
The Rich ◽  
The Comparative Study ◽  
Brain Behavior ◽  
The Brain

Abstract We present a new road map for research on “How the Brain Got Language” that adopts an EvoDevoSocio perspective and highlights comparative neuroprimatology – the comparative study of brain, behavior and communication in extant monkeys and great apes – as providing a key grounding for hypotheses on the last common ancestor of humans and monkeys (LCA-m) and chimpanzees (LCA-c) and the processes which guided the evolution LCA-m → LCA-c → protohumans → H. sapiens. Such research constrains and is constrained by analysis of the subsequent, primarily cultural, evolution of H. sapiens which yielded cultures involving the rich use of language.

Discovering Human Nature Through Cross-Species Analysis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan H. Turner
Keyword(s):  
Human Nature ◽  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Cladistic Analysis ◽  
Great Apes ◽  
The Body ◽  
Last Common Ancestor ◽  
Species Analysis ◽  
Organizational Patterns ◽  
Genetic Closeness ◽  
Source Of Information

Cladistic analysis is employed on behavioral and organizational patterns among present-day great apes that, because of their genetic closeness to humans, can be used as a surrogate for making inferences about the behavior and organizational propensities of the last common ancestor to great apes, hominins, and humans. A series of preadaptations among great apes for language, emotionality, mother–infant bonding, life history characteristics, propensities for play, and nonharem/promiscuous mating represents one source of information on the nature of the last common ancestor. Moreover, a set of behavioral propensities among all great apes adds to the body of information that can be used to make inferences about the nature of the last common ancestors, hominins, and humans. Thus, it is now possible to make inferences about the biological nature of human behavior and organizational tendencies that are less speculative than earlier analyses of human nature.

scholarly journals CT-Informed Skull Osteology of Palaeolagus haydeni (Mammalia: Lagomorpha) and Its Bearing on the Reconstruction of the Early Lagomorph Body Plan

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej S. Wolniewicz ◽  
Łucja Fostowicz-Frelik
Keyword(s):  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Late Eocene ◽  
Last Common Ancestor ◽  
Western North America ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Early Oligocene ◽  
Phylogenetic Status ◽  
Herbivorous Mammals ◽  
Latest Eocene ◽  
First Time

Lagomorpha is a clade of herbivorous mammals nested within Euarchontoglires, one of the major placental groups represented today. It comprises two extant families with markedly different body plans: the long-eared and long-limbed Leporidae (hares and rabbits) and the short-eared and short-limbed Ochotonidae (pikas). These two lagomorph lineages diverged probably during the latest Eocene/early Oligocene, but it is unclear whether the last common ancestor of crown lagomorphs was more leporid- or more ochotonid-like in morphology. Palaeolagus, an early lagomorph dominant in western North America from the late Eocene to Oligocene is of particular importance for addressing this controversy. Here, we present new and comprehensive data on the cranial anatomy of Palaeolagus haydeni, the type species for the genus, based on micro-computed tomography (μCT). Our μCT data allow us to confirm, revise and score for the very first time the states of several leporid-like and ochotonid-like characters in the skull of Palaeolagus. This mixed cranial architecture differentiates Palaeolagus from the crown groups of Lagomorpha and supports its phylogenetic status as a stem taxon.

Manual deixis in apes and humans

2005 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Leavens
Keyword(s):  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Great Apes ◽  
Operational Definition ◽  
Cognitive Capacity ◽  
Last Common Ancestor ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Intentional Communication ◽  
Evolutionary Scenario ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Definition Of

Pointing by apes is near-ubiquitous in captivity, yet rare in their natural habitats. This has implications for understanding both the ontogeny and heritability of pointing, conceived as a behavioral phenotype. The data suggest that the cognitive capacity for manual deixis was possessed by the last common ancestor of humans and the great apes. In this review, nonverbal reference is distinguished from symbolic reference. An operational definition of intentional communication is delineated, citing published or forthcoming examples for each of the defining criteria from studies of manual gestures in apes. Claims that chimpanzees do not point amongst themselves or do not gesture declaratively are refuted with published examples. Links between pointing and cognitive milestones in other domains relating means to ends are discussed. Finally, an evolutionary scenario of pointing as an adaptation to changes in hominid development is briefly sketched.

Debunking two myths against vocal origins of language

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 376-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Perlman
Keyword(s):  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Great Apes ◽  
Sound Symbolism ◽  
Vocal Behavior ◽  
Last Common Ancestor ◽  
Great Ape ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Vocal Imitation ◽  
Breathing Apparatus

Gesture-first theories of language origins often raise two unsubstantiated arguments against vocal origins. First, they argue that great ape vocal behavior is highly constrained, limited to a fixed, species-typical repertoire of reflexive calls. Second, they argue that vocalizations lack any significant potential to ground meaning through iconicity, or resemblance between form and meaning. This paper reviews the considerable evidence that debunks these two “myths”. Accumulating evidence shows that the great apes exercise voluntary control over their vocal behavior, including their breathing apparatus, larynx, and supralaryngeal articulators. They are also able to learn new vocal behaviors, and even show some rudimentary ability for vocal imitation. In addition, an abundance of research demonstrates that the vocal modality affords rich potential for iconicity. People can understand iconicity in sound symbolism, and they can produce iconic vocalizations to communicate a diverse range of meanings. Thus, two of the primary arguments against vocal origins theories are not tenable. As an alternative, the paper concludes that the origins of language – going as far back as our last common ancestor with great apes – are rooted in iconicity in both gesture and vocalization.

scholarly journals Cytoskeletal architecture and its evolutionary significance in amoeboid eukaryotes and their mode of locomotion

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (9) ◽  
pp. 160283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yonas I. Tekle ◽  
Jessica R. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Granular Cell ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Last Common Ancestor ◽  
Eukaryotic Evolution ◽  
Potential Significance ◽  
Origin And Evolution ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Diverse Groups ◽  
First Time

The cytoskeleton is the hallmark of eukaryotic evolution. The molecular and architectural aspects of the cytoskeleton have been playing a prominent role in our understanding of the origin and evolution of eukaryotes. In this study, we seek to investigate the cytoskeleton architecture and its evolutionary significance in understudied amoeboid lineages belonging to Amoebozoa. These amoebae primarily use cytoplasmic extensions supported by the cytoskeleton to perform important cellular processes such as movement and feeding. Amoeboid structure has important taxonomic significance, but, owing to techniques used, its potential significance in understanding diversity of the group has been seriously compromised, leading to an under-appreciation of its value. Here, we used immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy to study the architecture of microtubules (MTs) and F-actin in diverse groups of amoebae. Our results demonstrate that all Amoebozoa examined are characterized by a complex cytoskeletal array, unlike what has been previously thought to exist. Our results not only conclusively demonstrate that all amoebozoans possess complex cytoplasmic MTs, but also provide, for the first time, a potential synapomorphy for the molecularly defined Amoebozoa clade. Based on this evidence, the last common ancestor of amoebozoans is hypothesized to have had a complex interwoven MT architecture limited within the granular cell body. We also generate several cytoskeleton characters related to MT and F-actin, which are found to be robust for defining groups in deep and shallow nodes of Amoebozoa.

scholarly journals Spontaneous (minimal) ritual in non-human great apes?

2020 ◽  
Vol 375 (1805) ◽  
pp. 20190423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Tennie ◽  
Carel P. van Schaik
Keyword(s):  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Preliminary Finding ◽  
Great Apes ◽  
Last Common Ancestor ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Ritual Studies ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Main Components ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Future Work

The potential for rituals in non-human great apes (apes) is an understudied topic. We derive a minimal definition of ritual and then examine the currently available evidence for it in untrained and non-enculturated apes. First, we examine whether such apes show evidence for the two main components of our minimal definition of ritual: symbolism and copying. Second, we examine if there are actual cases already identifiable today that may fit all aspects of our minimal definition of ritual—or whether there are at least cases that fit some aspects (proto-ritual). We find that apes are not likely to spontaneously practise minimal ritual, but we claim that the highest expected likelihood of occurrence is in the results-copying domain. Yet, we did not find actual cases of minimal ritual in apes—including those involving environmental results. We did, however, find some cases that may match at least part of our minimal ritual definition—which we termed proto-ritual. At least two out of three potential cases of such proto-rituals that we identified (rain dance, object-in-ear and surplus nest-making procedures) do revolve around results. Overall, apes do not show much, or very clear, evidence for even minimal ritual, but may sometimes show proto-ritual. However, dedicated ape ritual studies are currently lacking, and future work may identify ape ritual (or clearer cases of proto-ritual). We discuss the implications of our preliminary finding for inferences of ritual in the last common ancestor of humans and apes. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Ritual renaissance: new insights into the most human of behaviours’.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document