Primate Cultures
For this discussion, you need to read PDF documents provided below and watch a film about the capabilities of other primates. Using those readings, the film, textbook information, as well as material from in-class lectures please answer the following question about primates (2 points per question): Do non-human primates have culture? Why or Why not? Does this change how we need to define the term culture? I so, how? What implications does non-human primate culture have for the granting of legal rights and status? How do the differences in behaviors seen in captive versus wild primate communities impact your stance on culture? What implications might any of this have on how we model the lifestyles of our own early ancestors? For the essay portion of the discussion, please answer the above question to the best of your ability using information from any or all of the sources outlined below. Your answers should take the format of an essay that makes sure to address each of the points listed above. The length and format of the essay are up to you. Just be sure to provide clear answers to each of the 5 items listed above that are well supported with course materials. READINGS and Video: Stanford 2001.pdf Whiten 2011.pdf Ape Genius (approximate run time 48 minutes): http://www.documentarymania.com/player.php?title=Ape%20Genius (?? ???? ?????.)
