Example Of Essay On Primate Behavior From The Perspective Of A Physical Anthropologist
Generally speaking, Anthropology is the study of humans, along with primates, and Physical Anthropology deals with the study of evolution, and multiplicity of people and primates. Physical anthropologists stress sketchily on three major cliques of problems: human and non-human primate evolution, human diversity and its connotations (also race), and the biological foundations of human and non-human behaviour. Unlike humans, Zoos embrace better places to study such nuances about the behaviour of primates (non-humans). Actually, gibbons have always been interesting for me to observe and study. It gives an immense pleasure to observe keen communication relationships among a group of gibbons, which is kept in a zoo cubicle. The history of contemporary modern zoo conception and practice dates back over 200 years (Mullan, Marvin, 172).
Gibbons make sounds, which differs vocally as compared to humans but, these sounds creates an understanding ambience that in turn provides a significant case of acoustic erudition and resourcefulness in primate communication. It is interesting to witness utterances of unique sounds that are completely understood by the fellow gibbons, which eventually respond to them. Such behaviour is prominent in response to predators or any other danger that could hurt the shared legitimacy of the gibbons (Carlstead K, 40). Gibbons utter some sort of songs, with diverse tones and rhythms, conveying different meanings that witness an operative referential communication system in a captive ape species (Beck, Walkup, Rodrigues, 48). Also, the group of four gibbons share body warmth and consistent touches, which represent a careful behaviour of the primate group.
It is quite influential to study the essence of behavioural aspects of primates; it encompasses a referential ultimate understanding of the conceptions of adaptation and variation of the specific species. As a physical Anthropologist, it is always important to consider biological foundations in order to precisely observe and understand the behaviour. The advanced behaviour of gibbons is the result of developed biological bases that makes them smarter than monkeys, which is reflective through their behaviour (expressive).
Works Cited
Beck B, Walkup K, Rodrigues M. Best Practice Guidelines for the Re-introduction of Great Apes. Gland: SSC Primate Specialist Groupof the World Conservation Union. 48 p. 2007
Carlstead K. Constructing behavior profiles of zoo animals: Incorporating behavioral information into captive population management. AZA Behavior and Husbandry Group Oregon Zoo. P 40. 2000
Mullan B, Marvin G. Zoo Culture. Urbana: University of Illinois Press. 172 p. 1999
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