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1.3.16 Our Most Recent Common Ancestor and Animal Intelligence
Evolutionary conservation means that, even after a species splits into two species (then splits again and again) due to environmental selective pressures that differ in geographically separated populations, many traits continue on in each species. For example, we humans share most of our genetic material with chimpanzees and bonobos, and we also share many chimpanzee and bonobo behavioural traits, even though the last common ancestor of apes and humans lived some six or seven million years ago.
All species, including humans, evolved from a common ancestor. So it’s not surprising to find examples of human-like activity in species other than humans. For instance, lots of species use tools spontaneously, without any instruction from other adults of their species (or humans). Some species can even learn to make tools, as well (cultural transmission). But animal intelligence, even in our fellow great ape primates, is a far, far cry from human intelligence.
Animals don’t compose human-like music, and few appreciate Coltrane, Joni Mitchell, or the harmonica music that comes wafting out of nowhere when Marshal McDillon, Deputy Fester, and Ms Puma are sitting around the campfire roasting squirrels. However, some animals have recognizable cultural traits.
A few examples:
- Monkeys and apes in captivity, including chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and capuchin monkeys, like to paint pictures. Some can produce recognizable shapes such as crosses, circles, and non-random patterns.