| Concept/Content |
phylogenetic intermediates / macaques (Macaca arctoides) |
| Information caption |
Conceptualizing morality as a form of behavior opens the possibililty of observing it in other species. Indeed, if complex features evolve gradually, one might well expect to find stages of protomorality, incipient morality or various precursors in organisms besides humans. An important resource in understanding the evolution of humans and their culture, then, is comparative behavior. Even if the behavior is not strictly genetic, one may still find informative phylogenetic patterns or similarities based on common ancestry. Studies of primate behavior are potentially valuable. Transitions and intermediate stages may be more concretely envisioned or documented.
Here: "Stumptail monkeys (Macaca arctoides) are among the most conciliatory members of the genus Macaca. They are heavily built, yet remarkably friendly and tolerant, such as here: the alpha male is eating attractive food unperturbed by an entire audience around him. When stumptail monkeys were housed with a less tolerant macaque, they modified the latter species' behavior into a more pacific direction." (Frans de Waal) |
| Inquiry caption |
Primatologist Frans de Waal notes that "stumptail monkeys (Macaca arctoides) are among the most conciliatory members of the genus Macaca. They are heavily built, yet remarkably friendly and tolerant, such as here: the alpha male is eating attractive food unperturbed by an entire audience around him. When stumptail monkeys were housed with a less tolerant macaque, they modified the latter species' behavior into a more pacific direction."
In what ways might study of macaque behavior inform an understanding of human behavior? What other species you might recommend studying, and why?
Target Concept: Non-human species may exhibit various stages in the evolution of morality. |
| Photographer |
Frans de Waal |
| Credit |
public domain [wikipedia] |
| SIZE in pixels [file size] |
670x492 |
|
