The Evolution of Primate Intelligence

One of the main reasons why we are so interested in the other primates is that by looking at them we can obtain some ideas of what our ancestor must have been like a few millions years ago. Even though, we are not descended from any modern-type monkey or ape, our lineage does appear to have gone through stages in which we were a medium-sized, reasonably intelligent creature with good binocular vision, hands that were …

…not the only primates for whom quick thinking, bluff and political maneuvering. Bibliography Goodall, J. (1986). Chimpanzees of Gombe: Patterns of behavior. London: Belknap. Jahme, C. (2000). Beauty and the beasts: Woman, ape evolution. New York: SOHO Press. Kavanagh, M. & Morris, D. (1983). Complete guide to monkeys, apes and other primates. London: Viking Press. Napier, J. & Napier, P. (1976). Monkeys & apes. New York: Vineyards Books. Schwartz, J. (1987). Red ape: Orang-utans & human origins. Boston: Houghton Miffin.