Question 1

Chimpanzees have never been observed to modify twigs for termite fishing before actually arriving at the termite mound.

Accepted Answer

Chimpanzees have been observed to modify and prepare twigs for termite fishing before arriving at the termite mound, showing their ability to plan and use tools strategically.

Question 2

What are dominance hierarchies, and what important functions do they serve?

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Question 3

Discuss the tenets of behavioral ecology.

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Question 4

List and discuss four factors that affect the social structure of a given species.

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Question 5

Kanzi the bonobo learned to produce sharp flakes by throwing rocks to the ground.

Accepted Answer

Kanzi, a bonobo, was observed to create sharp flakes by throwing rocks on the ground, illustrating that he had developed the ability to control the percussion necessary for flake production.

Question 6

Discuss the effects of isolation in infancy and separation from the mother on monkey behavior.

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

Large primate groups are advantageous because they increase the likelihood of early predator detection.

Accepted Answer

Large primate groups provide more eyes and ears to detect predators, making it more likely for a predator to be spotted early and for the group to take preventative measures.

Question 8

Sexual selection does not seem to be an important factor in the evolution of sexual dimorphism.

Accepted Answer

Sexual selection plays a significant role in the evolution of sexual dimorphism. It involves the selection of certain traits that increase an individual's chances of mating and producing offspring. In many species, males have elaborate ornaments or behaviors that attract females, whereas females choose males based on these traits. This process leads to the evolution of exaggerated traits in one sex or the other, resulting in sexual dimorphism.

Question 9

Male-female bonds, such as consortships, are advantageous to females because they gain protection from predators.

Accepted Answer

Male-female bonds, such as consortships, are known to provide protection to females from predators, making it a beneficial arrangement for females in terms of survival and reproductive success.

Question 10

What do the language experiments with chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas indicate?

Accepted Answer

The language experiments with chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas indicate that they have some ability to use signs to communicate. While they may not have the same depth or complexity of symbolic communication as humans, they have shown the ability to learn and use sign language or other visual communication systems.

Answer: B 
 While it's true that chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas have some ability to use signs to communicate, they typically do not learn spoken language in the same way humans do. However, some studies have shown that they can learn to use up to 100 spoken words or vocalizations for specific objects or actions.

Answer choices A, D, and E are incorrect based on current research.

Question 11

All primate communication is autonomic in nature.

Accepted Answer

While some aspects of primate communication may be autonomic (such as facial expressions), many communication signals are intentionally and consciously produced by the primate in order to convey a specific message to others.

Question 12

It has been proposed that male Hanuman langurs that commit infanticide are actually reducing their own reproductive success.

Accepted Answer

Male Hanuman langurs commit infanticide to increase their own reproductive success by causing the females to become fertile more quickly, allowing the males to father their own offspring with those females.

Question 13

Several language experiments with chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas, and bonobos have shown that all great apes have the capacity to use signs and symbols to communicate. Questions, however, have been raised about this type of research.

Accepted Answer

Several language experiments with great apes have indeed shown that they have the capacity to use signs and symbols to communicate, but there have also been ethical concerns and debates about the validity and limitations of this research.

Question 14

What altruistic behaviors have been observed in nonhuman primates?

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Question 15

Discuss the evolutionary explanation of infanticide in Hanuman langurs.

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Question 16

Why do most biological anthropologists consider it appropriate to discuss cultural behaviors in nonhuman primates? Discuss a few examples of these behaviors.

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Question 17

Contrast autonomic responses and behaviors with intentional behaviors that serve as communication.

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Question 18

Scientists who use the behavioral ecology approach believe that primate behaviors have evolved through the operation of natural selection.

Accepted Answer

Scientists who use the behavioral ecology approach believe that primate behaviors have evolved through the operation of natural selection, which is a core principle of evolutionary theory.

Question 19

The modification of natural objects for use as tools has several implications for nonhuman primate intelligence.

Accepted Answer

The modification of natural objects for use as tools demonstrates problem-solving abilities and cognitive flexibility in nonhuman primates. It suggests that they are capable of understanding cause and effect relationships and adapting their behavior to the environment. This indicates a level of intelligence beyond simple reflexive actions.

Question 20

Define the terms K-selection and r-selection. Are primates K-selected or r-selected?

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 7: Primate Behavior