Overview
This lecture discusses Jane Goodall's groundbreaking observation of chimpanzee tool use, which changed scientific views on both chimps and humans.
Jane Goodall's Discovery
- Jane Goodall observed chimps in Gombe, Tanzania about 40 years ago.
- She saw a chimp use a piece of grass as a tool to fish termites from a mound.
- Before this, scientists believed only humans used and made tools.
- Goodall's observation challenged the definition of what makes humans unique.
Chimpanzee Tool Use
- Tool use by chimps includes selecting, preparing, and using objects to extract termites.
- Chimps strip leaves off twigs to create fishing rods for termite fishing.
- Termite fishing is one of nine documented tool behaviors in Gombe chimps.
- Tool use provides chimps with access to protein-rich termites, a key food source.
Redefining Humanity and Tool Use
- Goodall's discovery prompted scientists to reconsider the definitions of "man" and "tool."
- Three options arose: redefine humans, redefine tools, or accept chimps as humans.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Tool Use — Selecting and modifying an object to perform a specific task (e.g., fishing for termites).
- Termite Fishing — A tool behavior where chimps use grass or twigs to extract termites from their mounds.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the nine types of chimpanzee tool use observed in Gombe.
- Reflect on how new discoveries can challenge scientific definitions.