meat-eating apes/gorillas/chimps,etc.
Quote:
> hi everyone: I don't know if this is where to look, but maybe you guys
> can help me solve an argument with my friend. he says there are/were
> meat-eating primates/apes/chimps or whatever. I say he's wrong.
> Does anyone here know the answer/ thanks. broy
If we start at one end of the spectrum, look at the basic gorilla. A
gorilla skull and mandible is a telling tale, even if we had not
observed them to some degree in the wild.
http://www.mnh.si.edu/anthro/humanorigins/ha/skulls.html
If you look at the brute strength of the jaw and the size of the
muscles that work the mandible you see a magnificent chewing machine
designed to process tough vegetation (like bamboo shoots, etc).
Furthermore, I dont think that there is any real evidence that any
gorillas are even occasionally carnivorous beyond the occasional bug,
grub or egg that they might find while browsing.
Chimps and bonobos on the other hand have some DEFINITE omnivore
habits. In other words, they are centainly not as carnivorous as a
lion, but they are far more actively carnivorous than say a gorilla.
Chimps are aggressive omnivores that actively pursue meat, even when
the environment offers plenty of other completely acceptable cooking.net">food
sources. In other words, even if there is plenty of fresh fruit
available, active hunting for meat occurs.
http://www.sciencenews.org/sn_edpik/b_1.htm
Of the two species, bonobos appear to be less actively carnivorous, and
are rarely seen actively HUNTING, but even they will definitely eat
meat.
http://www.virunga.org/jbin/story/2758
If you read the review of this particular book, it sounds like the
average bonobo is a tall lanky chimp that is still stuck in the '70s!
;-)
http://www.virunga.org/jbin/story/2758
Wonder if they also listen to old vinyl Grateful Dead platters?!?!? ;-)
Regards
bk
