Primates
Latest about Primates

Jane Goodall revolutionized animal research, but her work had some unintended consequences. Here's what we've learned from them.
By Sophie Berdugo published
Following Jane Goodall's death, chimp experts explain how her early observations still influence our understanding of our ape cousins.

From tool use to warfare — here are 5 ways Jane Goodall revolutionized our knowledge of chimpanzees
By Sophie Berdugo published
Pioneering primatologist Jane Goodall has died at age 91. These are her five biggest contributions to how we understand about our closest living relatives.

Chimps eat fruit full of alcohol, but no, they don't get drunk
By Sophie Berdugo published
Chimps' ability to metabolize fermented fruit could explain our own predilection for alcohol.

Jane Goodall, famed primatologist who discovered chimpanzee tool use, dies at 91
By Kristina Killgrove published
Dame Jane Goodall, the world's preeminent chimpanzee expert, died of natural causes.

Do humans and chimps really share nearly 99% of their DNA?
By Clarissa Brincat published
The frequently cited 99% similarity between human and chimp DNA overlooks key differences in the genomes.

Earth's early primates evolved in the cold — not the tropics
By Jason Gilchrist published
Fossil spore and pollen data reveal our early ancestors evolved in cold, dry environments, with some even colonizing Arctic regions.

'Alpha male' primates are rare, with females about as likely to dominate the opposite sex, study finds
By Patrick Pester published
Researchers have found that clear-cut male dominance is rare in primates, with both sexes capable of reigning supreme depending on the circumstances.

Chimps develop fashion trend by shoving grass in their ears — and in their butts
By Patrick Pester published
Chimpanzees are running around with grass in their ears and butts at the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage in Zambia. This is the second time a bizarre fad-like behavior has gripped the sanctuary's chimps, but wearing the grass accessories in their butts is a new twist.
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