Price and Feinman, 1997.
Human Origins
Primate Observation Project
Fall Semester 2010
Dr. Sue Short
Report Due:
October 21, 2010
Some primates, especially chimpanzees and gorillas, are closely related to human beings. Not
surprisingly, primates exhibit many of the same behaviors found in humans. You will have the
opportunity to do some primary fieldwork research in observing the behavior of primates, then reporting
on your findings.
You may go either to the Como Zoo, which has a good primate exhibit, or the Minnesota Zoo. At either
zoo, choose one group of primates and observe them continuously for at least 30 minutes. (I recommend
that you go to the Como Zoo and observe either the lowland gorillas or the orangutans, for the best
material for your purposes.) As you observe, take notes that you can use later in writing up your report.
You will report the patterns of behavior that you observe. We will discuss some ideas about things to
look for as you watch the primates. The report must be word processed (or typed), with a Times 10 or 11
point font, have one-inch margins, and be a literate, articulate reflection about what you have observed.
Address at least the following items in the report:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Date, time, and place of the observation.
Weather at the time of the observation (if outdoors).
Name(s) of the primate(s) observed (if known).
Species.
Natural habitat and geographic distribution in the natural world.
Discuss at least five (5) behavior patterns that you observed (e.g. eating, playing, grooming,
caring for young) and the social significance of the behaviors. What does the individual gain
from each of these behaviors? Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each behavior
from both the individual and the group perspective.
Compare and contrast the observed behaviors with those of human beings.
Describe the interactions you observed between humans at the zoo (employees and visitors)
and the primates.
How might the zoo environment influence the primate behaviors you observed?
Conclusions and reflections: what did you learn about your primate cousins?