What in the behaviour of Humans does make us different from other primates?

[Elledan]

I've been watching some situations on streets, in bars, at school etc. for the past few days and compared those to what is known of the behaviour of Primates. I didn't have to do too much work before the (very obvious) results were known: differences are nearly non-existant.
Of course, you've to use a certain abstraction-layer, since we're more (differently, technologically) developed than other primates, but basically the behaviour is the same.

Especially chimpanzees and similar species show a remarkable resemblance.
Maybe someday I'll compile a list of similarities.


So take a look around next time you walk on the street or are sitting in a cafe and enjoy what you see!

 

[StormRider]

I don't think other primate laugh or giggle when they hear other primates farting....

 

[Linh]

first thing that comes to mind is religion

 

[gittyup]

I am picturing a primate driving in his car while talking on the cell phone.

 

[Optimus]

I think humans run a slightly lower frequency of pooing in their hands and flinging it at passers-by.

 

[Linh]

<< am picturing a primate driving in his car while talking on the cell phone >>



you see tons of primates doing that here in NYC, at least they look, sound, and smell like primates

 

[Elledan]

<< I don't think other primate laugh or giggle when they hear other primates farting.... >>


Yeah, a 'sense of humor' is one difference

This doesn't mean that chimpanzees can't laugh, though.

 

[ManSnake]

Can a chimp sitting in front of a typewriter type up the entire bible? I don't think so!

 

[Linh]

homosexuality?

 

[samgau]

Do other primates suffer from insanity... or phobias ... i wouldn't think so...

 

[Elledan]

<< homosexuality? >>

Homosexuality is as common under Primates as under Humans, especially lower-ranked males show homosexual behaviour.



<< Do other primates suffer from insanity... or phobias ... i wouldn't think so... >>

Wrong. Since primates have a brain not much different from that of us, they too can suffer from mental diseases. 'Insane' monkeys aren't uncommon and it's not too difficult to 'create' a monkey with a phobia.

 

[creedog]

Actually, I really enjoy flinging my poo!

 

[Capn]

I think some tribes still do the old poop in the hand and throw it at somebody routine, ahh the memories.

 

[Kitros]

The main difference is motive. What is compelling to them, isn't compelling to us, etc. This spawns from evolution of exposure, history and a chain reaction of our species.

Another main reason... is reason itself. &quot;Why do this?&quot; is not a question answers automatically, but will if he/she grows accustomed to answering it. It's all about exposure and experince. Much like treating a dog like a person, it becomes more thinkable...

 

[Kitros]

Also, you must remember that we as a branched species isn't as far from them as we would LOVE to believe. We are, in Earth's time, .000000001% ahead of them. It could only take 200 years or so for a monkey that was treated like, exposed to, and experienced human interaction, to be very close to us, maybe a thorough communicator!

 

[Wallydraigle]

That's easy. We're not affraid of vacuum cleaners.

 

[Kitros]

Va..va..vaccuum cleaners! AHHHHHH!!:Q

 

[vi edit]

Want a serious answer?

It has something to do with the ability to learn, write and speak a common language. I believe that all advancements we have made have been because of our ability to communicate more effectively with other humans.

Animals have some form of communication, but it is nothing to the extent of the human language.

 

[Elledan]

<< Also, you must remember that we as a branched species isn't as far from them as we would LOVE to believe. We are, in Earth's time, .000000001% ahead of them. >>

Agreed, on a cosmic scale, Primates exist only for the blink of an eye.



<< It could only take 200 years or so for a monkey that was treated like, exposed to, and experienced human interaction, to be very close to us, maybe a thorough communicator! >>


This would be unlikely since the larynx of all primates except Humans are not suitable for complicated sounds, like talking. Interesting fact is that the larynx of young children isn't suitable for talking either since it's placed too high in the throat, exactly the same as with other primates. This is also why it takes some time before a child learns to talk, when it's young, it just can't talk since it can't produce the necessary complicated sounds. Only when a child gets older, the larynx descends and speach becomes possible.

Maybe if we would operate a monkey and modify the placement and anatomy of its larynx, we could make it talk, but 200 years is less than a nanosecond on the scale of evolution. It took Humans thousands of years before they were able to speak.

[edit]: vi_edit, indeed. Improved ways to communicate causes most of the differences in behaviour

 

[Demon-Xanth]

w33 h4v3 1337 5ki11z biZn4tcH!@#@$!$@!!!@$@!#

 

[Elledan]

<< w33 h4v3 1337 5ki11z biZn4tcH!@#@$!$@!!!@$@!# >>


Okay, I take my words back... I meant partly improved communication

 

[Total Refected Power]

Those baboons certainly know how to &quot;Spank the Monkey&quot; incessantly.

They have that in common with most members of this board.

 

[datalink7]

<<

<< Also, you must remember that we as a branched species isn't as far from them as we would LOVE to believe. We are, in Earth's time, .000000001% ahead of them. >>

Agreed, on a cosmic scale, Primates exist only for the blink of an eye.



<< It could only take 200 years or so for a monkey that was treated like, exposed to, and experienced human interaction, to be very close to us, maybe a thorough communicator! >>


This would be unlikely since the larynx of all primates except Humans are not suitable for complicated sounds, like talking. Interesting fact is that the larynx of young children isn't suitable for talking either since it's placed too high in the throat, exactly the same as with other primates. This is also why it takes some time before a child learns to talk, when it's young, it just can't talk since it can't produce the necessary complicated sounds. Only when a child gets older, the larynx descends and speach becomes possible.

Maybe if we would operate a monkey and modify the placement and anatomy of its larynx, we could make it talk, but 200 years is less than a nanosecond on the scale of evolution. It took Humans thousands of years before they were able to speak.

[edit]: vi_edit, indeed. Improved ways to communicate causes most of the differences in behaviour >>



Actually, a gorilla has already communicated with humans. You all remember Koko (coco, koco... sp?) right? She learned sign language. She named both her cats (one smokey, one all-ball. And the names fit. Smoky was a greyish smokey color and all-ball liked to roll into a ball). She cared for her cats, and cried when they died. She also exibited humor and laughter.

Pretty impressive if you ask me.

 

[Aenygma]

We are not primates.

 

[Kitros]

datalink7

my point exactly. There are several ways to communicate.

Only when a child gets older, the larynx descends and speach becomes possible.

ok, so a few years and the child can speak, only after a bit of routine effort, it drops like our balls. It starts high, then drops with use, also affecting what we sound like (ie: high/low voice). noted, not completely as sinus cavity, etc. has affect, but does hold some factor.


It took Humans thousands of years before they were able to speak.

Wait, so which one is it... a few years or thousands?



I believe a monkey could communicate thoroughly, and perhaps even talk given the right circumstances. The 200 yrs. comes into play as the monkey see, monkey do affect for speaking (from parents/humans to child). That's how long I think an monkey would develope the ability on its own, granted it has a similar lyranx.