A team of researchers from the University of Zurich has analyzed the behavior and genetic markers of chimpanzees in 35 different sites, using a “genetic time machine”.
The study, published in Science, found that more complex technologies, such as the use of tool sets, were surprisingly linked among populations currently separated by great distances.
Complex Technologies: Termite Fishing Probe
A prominent example is that of the Congo chimpanzees, who use a sturdy stick to dig tunnels into termite mounds and then create a fishing probe from a plant stem.
This tool, shaped with their teeth and with a brush-shaped tip, allows them to catch biting termites for consumption.
Female Migrations and Cultural Transmission
The study highlighted the crucial role of female chimpanzees in the transmission of technologies and cultures. When a mature female joins a new group, she brings genetic diversity and cultural knowledge that enrich the practices of the receiving group.
Implications for Human Evolution
The research provides a new perspective on cultural and technological evolution in hominids. By studying these practices in chimpanzees, scientists can gather clues about how early humans developed their own accumulative cultures. This study suggests that the ability to transmit knowledge has deep roots in our shared lineage with other primates.
The “genetic time machine” not only allows tracking the cultural development of chimpanzees, but also opens a window to human evolutionary past. Understanding how our closest relatives develop and transmit technologies can help us answer fundamental questions about our own intelligence and culture.
This study emphasizes that culture is not exclusive to humans, but a shared trait that has evolved over time in the fascinating lineage of hominids.
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