The Mentalities Of Gorillas And Orangutans

Research on the mental abilities of chimpanzees and bonobos has been widely celebrated and used in reconstructions of human evolution. In contrast, less attention has been paid to the abilities of gorillas and orangutans. This 1999 volume aims to help complete the picture of hominoid cognition by bringing together the work on gorillas and orangutans and setting it in comparative perspective. The introductory chapters set the evolutionary context for comparing cognition in gorillas and orangutans to that of chimpanzees, bonobos and humans. The remaining chapters focus primarily on the kinds and levels of intelligence displayed by orangutans and gorillas compared to other great apes, including performances in the classic domains of tool use and tool making, imitation, self-awareness, social communication and symbol use. All those wanting more information on the mental abilities of these sometimes neglected, but important primates will find this book a treasure trove.

The great apes (chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans) are our closest living relatives, sharing a common ancestor only five million years ago. We also share key features such as high intelligence, omnivorous diets, prolonged child-rearing and rich social lives. The great apes show a surprising diversity of adaptations, particularly in social life, ranging from the solitary life of orangutans, through patriarchy in gorillas to complex but different social organisations in bonobos and chimpanzees. As great apes are so close to humans, comparisons yield essential knowledge for modelling human evolutionary origins. Great Ape Societies provides comprehensive up-to-date syntheses of work on all four species, drawing on decades of international field work, zoo and laboratory studies. It will be essential reading for students and researchers in primatology, anthropology, psychology and human evolution.

Brief explanation of the evolution of man and ape from a common source with description of the behavior of four great apes -- the chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, and gibbon.

Explains briefly the evolutionary process of man and ape from a common source and describes at length the behavior of four great apes -- the chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, and gibbon.

This book investigates current field and theoretical information on great ape cognition.

An introductory guide to all species and subspecies of gorilla, chimpanzee, orangutan and gibbon, which would also serve as an educational resource. It features preliminary sections that explain how the apes are related and provides information on biology, ecology, life history, behaviour and physiology.

Describes and compares the four great apes: chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, and gorillas through a discussion of their physical, intellectual, emotional, and social characteristics.

With the arrival of European explorers in Southeast Asia around 300 years ago, the orangutan - the world's second-largest ape and one of our closest biological relatives - began a battle for survival. As the rainforest was cleared and burnt, and the orangutans were poached and sold, remnant populations have dwindled to alarmingly small numbers. This is the amazing story of how a small Australian zoo offers hope for the orangutans, through its very successful captive breeding program. The story is told through the eyes and heart of Leif Cocks, whose personal encounters with the orangutans in his care have enabled him to provide fascinating insights into their unique intelligence and individual personalities. The photographs capture some wonderful moments in the orangutan enclosures at the zoo.