Nonhuman Primate Sign Language Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Nonhuman Primate Sign Language - Essay Example The present research has identified that human and nonhuman primates such as chimpanzees have commonalities in brain features in high-level communicative and cognitive functions. Brains of both human and nonhuman primate show some degree of asymmetry. Both halves of the human brain are not symmetrical they are lopsidedness that arise at the development stage of brain. Brains of humans show a greater variance of asymmetry than that of chimpanzees, but brains of both species are asymmetrical in structures. Brain asymmetry gives a room for flexibility and enables the brain to adapt easily to different conditions and situations. Human and primates share 99% of their genetic makeup. However, their main difference between the two is the capability of communicating in a language that is defined. Chimps do not can speak human language, but they have a way of communicating to each other. One of the ways they communicate to each other is through different types of vocal calls. If the chimps fi nd food, they start making different types of grunts, pant hoots and barks to let others know the source of food. Chimpanzees have different pant hoots that distinguish each from one another. It helps others to identify individuals who are making the call. When chimps get back from a successful hunt, they make calls in an exciting way to alert others about a successful mission. When they come across a dangerous situation, they produce a savage-sounding to alert others on the potential danger. Chimps also communicate with each other by making use of bodily gestures and postures. Some communities such as that of a monkey make use of physical contact to express anger, happiness, fear and aggressiveness. When chimps get angry, they express anger by standing upright using their hind legs, wave their arms and sometimes they can throw rocks and branches. The behavior alerts other chimps that are near and steer clear of this particular monkey.