Chapter 4: Our Place Among the Apes
Chapter Objectives
By the end of this chapter you should be able to
- Compare and contrast scientific classification systems for species.
- Describe ape ancestry among the primate order.
- Associate ape social organization with their related mating systems.
- Explain how comparative methods inform human behavior.
Chapter Introduction
In Chapter 3, we discussed evolutionary theory and the overall concept of species change. But how do we keep track of all these connections? And where do we fit within the big, evolutionary scheme of things?
In this chapter, we will briefly unpack taxonomy and phylogeny. This will provide a foundation for exploring the evolution of primates, apes, and, well, us. To understand how genus Homo became who we are today, we will identify key markers of cognitive change. These transitions are often the result of tool technologies that spurred rapid adjustments in how our ancestors interacted with their environments.
Once we have contextualized our place among the apes, we will explore the varied social organization and mating systems, providing a foundation for investigating human mating systems and marriage in future chapters. We will also consider the question: Do other species have a concept of “gender”? Or do they function strictly off biological sex?
The answer may surprise you.
the classification of something, especially organisms.
the branch of biology that deals with classifying the evolutionary development and diversification of a species or group of organisms.
