Two taxonomically distinct chimp families, common chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus) have been observed in both the wild and captivity. Superficially the two chimp families resemble each other, though bonobos are slightly smaller and less powerfully built and spend more time standing upright, which is why they have been referred to as dwarf or gracile chimpanzees. Arboreal creatures of the forest, both species are as comfortable above the ground as on it. Forming complex family structures and social structures, chimps have long fascinated people.
Yet the observed differences between common chimpanzees and bonobos are quite striking.
In the wild, common chimpanzees are organized in patriarchal units, with dominant alpha males enforcing discipline and assertively challenging male opponents. Aggressive, and even murderous, chimpanzee groups have been witnessed tormenting and killing members of other chimpanzee communities, other animals or even members of their own group. They hunt in troops for smaller species of monkey, and make sharpened tools used for hunting and killing. While records of peace and calm within groups have been widely observed, and even acts and behaviors we could call “tender,” in general chimpanzee society is rigidly enforced by the power of the males. They could be called the chimp of aggression.
Bonobo groups differ markedly in their social organization and style. Unlike common chimpanzees, bonobo groups are matriarchal, directed by a “sisterhood” of females, who together jointly resist and prevent overt male aggression. Male status is based upon the status of one’s mother, and mother/son bonds are often life-long. Overt sexual behavior, including kissing, is highly prominent in Bonobo groups, such contact observed in greeting, bonding and particularly in reconciliation of disputes between males and females, males and males and females and females. With complex facial muscle structure, they communicate both verbally and through facial expression. A leading primatologist has remarked that they are capable of altruism, compassion and empathy. They could be called the chimp of love.
Today, naturalists and researchers are increasingly following the lead of evolutionary biologist Jared Diamond. His premise is that human beings (Homo sapien), which share 98.4 percent of our genes with chimps, should be classified, as Diamond titled his 1992 book, “The Third Chimpanzee.” Remarkably, bonobos and common chimpanzees actually share fewer genes with gorillas than they do with human beings.
In our version of “chimpness,” we alternately display aggression and cooperation, compassion and cruelty, altruism and selfishness, love and anger. The evolution and heightened development of our neo-cortex forebrain has simultaneously enriched life and made it more complicated for us. We seem to struggle constantly with the polarities of our emotional states, as if unable to reconcile competing internal drives and the actions they manifest. We seek peace, but make war, and fail to consistently implement stable social structures. And yet, while more primitive and chimp-like characteristics are often displayed, we Homo sapiens are also able to transcend our genetic brethren, attain wisdom and engage in selfless acts of virtue, goodness and artistic splendor. In our own peculiar way, we display many of the character and behavioral traits of both the chimp of aggression and the chimp of love.
If indeed we are “the third chimp” (Pan sapien?), then without doubt we could be called the chimp of confusion.
