Why do ppl study non-human primates to understand human behavior?

Question

Why do ppl study non-human primates to understand human behavior?

Answer 1

good question. i have a dregree in anthropology and i always questioned that.

Answer 2

We are very closely related to them.  In fact, we share so much DNA with the chimps, over 98%, that there are some who argue that we really should be classified as another type of chimp or that they should be another type of homo (the genus, not the slur).

Since we are so closely related, it is a valid idea that they may be living in a similar way to our ancestors.  The bonobos are a favorite right now.  First of all, they are awesome.  Secondly, their diet and habitat are similar to those of human predecessors.  By studying the ways that they behave, we may gain an insight into the cultural environment in which humanity arose.  We don't have much idea of what kind of culture earlier hominids might have had, particularly the farther back we go.  Did Lucy's family feel sad when she died?  How did they care for their children?  What kind of group did they hang out in- one male, many females?  A mix?  How much self-awareness did they have?  These are all questions that we hope primate study can shed light on.

Answer 3

Humans and chimps, for example, are believed to have a common ancestor 5 to 7 million years ago.  By studying the behavior of chimps, we can learn which behaviors are innate or which might have developed as the result of our culture.  It is important to understand that we didn't evolve from chimps or any other living primate, we evolved from the common ancestors, so our behavior as well as theirs may have modified significantly in the millions of years since.

Answer 4

Because much of the way humans interract with the world comes from our ancient, primitive, instinctual aspect. This aspect is still present in non-human primates and in a much clearer, more easily understood context.

Answer 5

because humans are the most intelligent beings and primates are the second. So they test human behaviors or whatever on primates because they're reactions would be most similar to humans, more so than other animals. And if they don't want to study on humans, they study on primates. Hope this helps!

Answer 6

Because doing it with people would be PI.  Apes don't have that problem.