Animal Culture And Its Effects On Human Culture - 1777 Words

Animal culture is studied through comparative studies between populations and locations, field observations, and laboratory experiments. It is important to be critical in evaluating the results of these studies because behaviors in artificial situations or captivity will be different than in the wild. Animals are likely to act differently when they are not in their natural environment. Behaviors will vary and the long lasting effects of the behaviors may not be visible (Lalaland, 2003). Evidence of non-human culture has been found in animals such as songbirds, whales, dolphins, primates, and ants. Non-human behaviors are seen as encompassing culture if they â€Å"meet certain conditions: the behavior must be practiced by multiple members of†¦show more content†¦Another important aspect about the cultural evidence is it was first observed in 1952 and eight generations later, in 2008, was still being observed in the wild monkeys. The monkeys on this island ‘develop beh avioral differences as a result of social learning rather than genetic variation’ (Matsuzawa, 2008: R588). The next study regarding primates was seen in 2010 while observing wild chimpanzees in Uganda, with cultural differences between two populations in different areas. The chimpanzees displayed different ways of utilizing tools around them to retrieve honey within the fallen logs around them. The Kibale Forest chimps used sticks while the Budongo Forest chimps utilized leaves sponges that were made from chewed leaves. To study the differences, researchers provided the monkeys with a task to retrieve honey out of an apparatus. Each group resorted to behaviors that they had been familiar with in the beginning, those from Kibale using sticks and Budongo resorting to leave sponges (Cell Press, 2010). Klause Zuberhuler (Cell Press, 2010) from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland noted that the reason for the differences in tools ‘was that chimpanzees resorted to pre existing cultural knowledge in trying to solve the novel task’ and that ‘culture helped them in dealing with this novel problem.’ The behaviors were specific to each population that they developed through socialShow MoreRelatedHumans’ Moral Obligation to Preserve Endangered Species1508 Words   |  7 PagesHumans’ Moral Obligation to Preserve Endangered Species Many species that exists today are becoming endangered to extinction. In the past era where humans did not exist, extinction occurred due to natural causes. On this present time however, extinction of species are threatened by humans’ existence. Humans are the only moral agent; in which, it has the intellectual capacity that animals and plants do not have. Thus, humans are powerful and dominate over any species. Many practices that humansRead MoreEcological Anthropology And Cultural Ecologist799 Words   |  4 PagesEcological Anthropology is the study of how humans cope with problems in their environment such as survival, reproduction, development, longevity or spatial positions of people (Moran, 2008). Ecological Anthropologist and Cultural Ecologist do not ascribe to environmental determinism instead they view the relationship between humans and the environment as more possibilistic, explaining that the â€Å"process† may result in alternative behaviors (Reitz and Wing, 2008; 14). The Historical Ecological perspectiveRead MoreCosmetic History And Facts About The Cosmetic Industry1731 Words   |  7 PagesThe cosmetic industry has become such an integral part of the human culture that it often goes on without notice. In the vast and various cultures across our planet cosmetics are used for multitudes of reasons from religious expression, camouflage for soldiers in combat, Hollywood sets, to getting ready for a date. In our culture the use of makeup is almost a rite of passage into young adulthood for young girls and their mothers. The one question that almost no one ask when they open the make-upRead MoreIs Art Important For Human Evolution?901 Words   |  4 PagesArt is crucial to human evolution because it is both a medium of expression that allows humans to evolve and is also key evidence of human evolution. The development and evolution of the human conscious has a direct correlation to the art created from each time period and has allowed researchers to interpret it, using it as a gateway into early human life. Art acts as a window into the minds and lifestyles of our ancestors. It has influenced the development, evolution, and the process of naturalRead MoreMusic Is a Unique Expression of the Human Condition1750 Words   |  7 PagesMusic is a unique expression of the human condition Music is an extremely important part of human life and has been part of human life for thousands of years. Music can be linked with many different art forms such as art and language; these too are distinct expressions of humans. This particular expression has survived and outlived ancient languages and could possibly be older than any form of language we know. It also serves the same purpose as language, to convey meaning. Music is a way of bringingRead MoreEssay on Animal Rights1148 Words   |  5 Pagesthere has a been an on going heated debate on whether experiments on animals for the benefit of medical and scientific research is ethical. Whether it is or isnt, most people believe that some form of cost-benefit test should be performed to determine if the action is right. The costs include: animal pain, distress and death where the benefits include the collection of new knowledge or the development of new medical therapies for humans. Looking into these different aspects of the experimentation, thereRead MoreAnimal Imagery In Fairy Tales1478 Words   |  6 Pages Historiographical Essay Over time, historians have interpreted the use of animal imagery in western folk and fairy tales as a means for providing entertainment and moral lessons to western society. However, many historians have different ideas about how animal imagery and stereotypes actually affect a society besides keeping away from wolves and bears and such. Dr. Jack Zipes, a professor of German and comparative literature, promotes in his paper, What Makes a Repulsive Frog So Appealing:Read MoreIs Animal Testing Bad or Good? 1196 Words   |  5 Pagessafe for human use. How? Animal testing. Since nearly 500 BC, research and testing on living animals for human purpose has introduced hundreds of new medicinal and cosmetic advances for the human race. While some may see the advantages, others see the concept as just completely inhumane and unnecessary. Why is there such a big divide? The reason, simply, is because of the lack of education on the issue. Being one of the most controversial issues in America today, many people believe animal testingRead MoreOur Physical And Ecological Environment That Shapes Our Society And Culture1184 Words   |  5 PagesIn this paper, I will argue between our physical and ecological environment that shapes our society and culture. First of all, we already have a firm scientific basis by which to assess the effect it has on the development of biology. For example, Darwinian science makes it clear that environment provides the driving force over long periods of time, longer than recorded of human cultural history. Darwin’s legendary Galapagos finches, with their beaks each adapted to the differing food sources onRead MoreHuman Primates, Humans, And Humans1679 Words   |  7 PagesHumans evolve from apelike ancestors approximately five million years ago. Most closely related to us are our non-human primates such as African great apes, chimpanzees and gorillas. Scientific studies reveal that more similar traits are being share by human and our non-human primates compared to other animals. As human evolve from our apelike ancestors, changes in our DNA differentiate ourselves from our non-human primate. Even though we evolve from our non-human ancestors and share similar anatomical