Humans and Chimpanzees: Both Instinctive and Intelligent

There are vast numbers of theories existing throughout the United States involving the creation of humans. In particular though, a number of scientists have drawn the conclusion that humans have evolved from chimpanzees. The real question posed, which has been in discussion for several years, is the true distinction between the two species. In a recent study discussing instinctive behaviors, Amanda Maclay stated that, “Perhaps it can be said that the distinguishing factor between humans and animals is that animals act out of instinct and humans out of will (Maclay).” Whether it be hunting for prey as a means of necessary survival or working two jobs in order to provide food for their family, they all are a part of the natural behavior of the inhabitants of Earth. The means by which these actions are completed may be portrayed as an obvious difference between the two. This instinctive manner allows these chimpanzees to relate to several human-like behaviors. Instinctive behavior is not the only relationship connecting these two species, though. Although it may not be apparent at first glance, many chimpanzees are able to control themselves exploiting intelligence. Chimpanzees can be labeled as children learning from those surrounding them. At first, chimpanzees view the world as a large puzzle, but not long after their birth will they begin to put the pieces together. Although it may not be assumed by their outward appearances, chimpanzees and humans are closely related when it comes to their instinctive and intelligent minds.

One may never be able to tell whether the urge to eat certain items is acted upon with instinct or intelligence. Some believe that intelligent eaters are able to control their appetite with healthy consumption, while instinctive eaters need to consume items that satisfy their taste buds. When it comes to the diets of animals and humans, they are almost always distinctively different. This is not particularly true in the case of chimpanzees and humans though. Most Americans try to remain on a healthy diet, which is quite difficult for many due to their hectic life schedules. This healthy diet typically consists of a variety of items from each food group, with minimal consumption of harmful fats and sugars. Chimpanzees have a very diverse diet as well, and are labeled as omnivores (Jane Goodall Institute). Although humans don’t typically consume barks, roots, and insects, many do attempt to eat organic and unprocessed food. Chimpanzees’ most common food intake consists of fruits, which relates to many American vegetarians: who are only consuming vegetables (Jane Goodall Institute). The economy has a lot to do with what types of items consumers will purchase, just as the seasons affect what chimpanzees consume. If the economy is doing well, consumers have more tendencies to spend more money on higher quality products. Also, dining out is not much of a concern when one does not have to fret over saving money. As the seasons change, chimpanzees are forced to utilize different products to please their hunger (Jane Goodall Institute). The availability of their normal intake of fruits and nuts are minimal during the winter months; therefore, they resort to what is accessible to them. These difficult times that create massive amounts of stress on humans are also threatening to chimpanzees. Eating is a vital intellectual behavior needed for taking care of one’s body, but the instinctive decisions of what and how much to consume are nearly just as important.

Another quite obvious and common similarity between humans and chimpanzees is the instinctive nature of protecting loved ones and belongings. Whether it is a physical, mental, or an emotional threat, one is always readily available to defend their family members. Mother chimpanzees are more likely than most species to develop lifelong relationships with their offspring, just as humans do (Animal Bytes). This relationship allows for a much closer and personal interaction between the two, in contrast to those animals that leave their young soon after birth. Parents typically control every move of their children’s lives until they reach their middle teenage years. Chimpanzees are also fully dependent on their parents for a number of years, typically six or seven (Jane Goodall Institute). Not only do chimpanzees feel the need to overbearingly protect their young, but they also forcefully defend their territory. Whether it is their own personal land or their entire community, chimpanzees will do whatever necessary to keep their borders secure. There are very few animals that engage in aggressive actions against their own species, chimpanzees being one of them (Jane Goodall Institute). These events are typically a result of border issues and they usually end in fatalities (Jane Goodall Institute). Just as the prominent male is the typical defender of the household, male chimpanzees guard their territory from outside invaders. Humans, mostly males, also tend to solve their issues through means of forceful interactions. These issues are usually the result of a problem over belongings, family members, or personal threats. Not only do individuals battle amongst one another, but they also come together to protect their national boundaries. War has become quite familiar to our country, but many tend to forget that we have animal wars occurring throughout our nation daily. The need to secure the well-being of family members and territory has been an innate characteristic in both humans and chimpanzees since birth.

Ultimately, the most evident comparison between humans and chimpanzees is their high levels of intelligence. Chimpanzees have their own ways of communication, just as humans communicate in a variety of ways. They converse through facial expressions, vocalizations, and body language. Humans also relate through these manners by expressing what emotion he or she is attempting to portray without the use of words. There is a specified set of chimpanzee calls that are familiar to each one of them which represent a different feeling or emotion. The chimpanzees make two different types of assembly calls, either intraparty, meaning within their group, or distance calls, which are between separated groups (Jane Goodall Institute). They also have food calls, which signal where there is a food source available. Once one reaches his/her source and successfully kills it, it makes special excited calls that let others know of its good deed. Just as humans have their own individual voices, so do chimpanzees. Each chimpanzee has its own pant-hoot, which characterizes each one so that other chimpanzees will know who is making the call (Jane Goodall Institute). To humans, speaking well is a sign of high intelligence and to chimpanzees, it takes a high level of intelligence to be able to learn and understand a number of different calls. In some instances, chimpanzees have the ability to acquire knowledge much faster than some humans. Washoe, a female chimpanzee, is said to be the first non-human to learn sign language (Sign-Language Chimp Dies). This chimpanzee not only acquired the ability to perform nearly two-hundred and fifty words in sign language, but she was also able to teach it to several other chimpanzees (Sign-Language Chimp Dies). There are many humans in America today that do not even know one word of sign language. This is where a true distinction between humans and chimpanzees may occur. Although chimpanzees are unable to communicate with words, they are able to use their bodies and minds to express emotions. These chimpanzees, though, are typically willing and yearning to learn new information every day. Yes, many Americans strive to reach their full potential, but what happens when they feel that they have accomplished all they possibly can. The expansions of chimpanzees’ minds never seem to end, which is a true characteristic of an intellectual being.

One may never discover the actual relationship between humans and chimpanzees, but one factor will always remain true. Instinct and intelligence are intertwined in most circumstances, with typically no true distinction between the two. The way one feeds, interacts with others, and comprehends information is not subject to one natural reaction more than the other. More often than not, humans are viewed as superior over animals. This is not always the case, though, and chimpanzees tend to have more will-power when it comes to intelligence and more self-control when it comes to instinct over most humans. Some may believe intelligence is earned and instinct is inherited, but this is not always considered factual. My perspective is that one, whether it be a human or an animal, cannot be truly intelligent without the use of personal instinct.








Works Cited:

“Chimpanzee.” SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Bytes. 9 November 2008, http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/Animal-Bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coleomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/mammalia/primates/chimpanzee.htm

“Chimpanzees Taxonomy and Description.” 2008. The Jane Goodall Institute. 9 November 2008, http://www.jgiuganda.org/chimps.html>.

Maclay, Amanda. “Instinctive Behavior.” 2002. Serendip. 7 November 2008, http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f02/web1/amaclay.html

“Sign-Language Chimp Dies.” 2007. The Associated Press. 9 November 2008, http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/10/31/signing.chimp.dies.ap/index.html>.

^Above Photo taken by Michael Nichols from: Chimp