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Bonobo and Chimpanzee: The Lessons of Social Coexistence
This book describes the similarities and differences between two species, bonobos and chimpanzees, based on the three decades the author has spent studying them in the wild, and shows how the contrasting nature of these two species is also reflected in human nature.
The most important differences between bonobos and chimpanzees, our closest relatives, are the social mechanisms of coexistence in group life. Chimpanzees are known as a fairly despotic species in which the males exclusively dominate over the females, and maintain a rigid hierarchy. Chimpanzees have developed social intelligence to survive severe competition among by upholding the hierarchy of dominance, they can usually preserve peaceful relations among group members. In contrast, female bonobos have the same or even a higher social status than males. By evolving pseudo-estrus during their non-reproductive period, females have succeeded in moderating inter-male sexual competition, and in initiating mateselection. Although they are non-related in male-philopatric society, they usually aggregate in a group, enjoy priority access to food, determine which male is the alpha male, and generally maintain much more peaceful social relations compared to chimpanzees.
Lastly, by identifying key mechanisms of social coexistence in these two species, the author also seeks to find solutions or “hope” for the peaceful coexistence of human beings.
"Takeshi Furuichi is one of very few scientists in the world familiar with both chimpanzees and bonobos. In lively prose, reflecting personal experience with apes in the rain forest, he compares our two closest relatives and explains the striking differences between the male- dominated and territorial chimpanzees and the female-centered gentle bonobos."
Frans de Waal, author of Mama’s Last Hug - Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us about Ourselves (Norton, 2019)
The most important differences between bonobos and chimpanzees, our closest relatives, are the social mechanisms of coexistence in group life. Chimpanzees are known as a fairly despotic species in which the males exclusively dominate over the females, and maintain a rigid hierarchy. Chimpanzees have developed social intelligence to survive severe competition among by upholding the hierarchy of dominance, they can usually preserve peaceful relations among group members. In contrast, female bonobos have the same or even a higher social status than males. By evolving pseudo-estrus during their non-reproductive period, females have succeeded in moderating inter-male sexual competition, and in initiating mateselection. Although they are non-related in male-philopatric society, they usually aggregate in a group, enjoy priority access to food, determine which male is the alpha male, and generally maintain much more peaceful social relations compared to chimpanzees.
Lastly, by identifying key mechanisms of social coexistence in these two species, the author also seeks to find solutions or “hope” for the peaceful coexistence of human beings.
"Takeshi Furuichi is one of very few scientists in the world familiar with both chimpanzees and bonobos. In lively prose, reflecting personal experience with apes in the rain forest, he compares our two closest relatives and explains the striking differences between the male- dominated and territorial chimpanzees and the female-centered gentle bonobos."
Frans de Waal, author of Mama’s Last Hug - Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us about Ourselves (Norton, 2019)
- GenresNonfiction
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 29, 2020
Some interesting and useful material. Could be sharpened. Clearly an effort to make his work better known in English-speaking world. 3.5 stars
February 27, 2024
"Takeshi Furuichi is een van de weinige wetenschappers ter wereld die bekend is met zowel chimpansees als bonobo's. In levendig proza, waarin hij persoonlijke ervaringen met apen in het regenwoud weerspiegelt, vergelijkt hij onze twee naaste verwanten en legt hij de opvallende verschillen uit tussen de door mannen gedomineerde en territoriale chimpansees en de zachtaardige bonobo's waarin de vrouw centraal staat." (Frans de Waal)
In een werk van Frans de Waal had ik gelezen hoe Japanse wetenschappers op een andere manier aan onderzoek doen, meer bepaald door de dieren te observeren in hun leefomgeving, waardoor hun gedrag geen invloed ondergaat van de mensen. Om die reden heb ik deze studie van Takeshi Furuichi ter hand genomen.
En ja, bonobo, chimpansee en mens zijn voor mij heel wat helderder geworden.
In een werk van Frans de Waal had ik gelezen hoe Japanse wetenschappers op een andere manier aan onderzoek doen, meer bepaald door de dieren te observeren in hun leefomgeving, waardoor hun gedrag geen invloed ondergaat van de mensen. Om die reden heb ik deze studie van Takeshi Furuichi ter hand genomen.
En ja, bonobo, chimpansee en mens zijn voor mij heel wat helderder geworden.
February 24, 2021
A pleasant enough book. Quite accessible for non-academic readers, I think. Some nice anecdotes and insights from a very experienced researcher.
July 24, 2021
Una comparación interesante entre Bonobos y Chimpancés que conecta sus respuestas a los desafíos evolutivos con el humano
November 6, 2022
Interesting analysis of our nearest hominid neighbors, patriarchal chimps and matriarchal bonobos.
February 7, 2020
Great resource for comparing our two closest relatives and exploring our own instincts and nature.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews