Jump to content

Capuchin vs Chimp Intelligence


Proteus

Recommended Posts

Some capuchins go through great lengths to obtain the kernel from certain nuts, first peeling, the drying, and finally cracking them open with a rock and anvil (BBC Life: Life's Challenges), I was therefore wondering if chimps are really the most intelligent primates, or if we're just biassed because they're our closest genetic relatives.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Some capuchins go through great lengths to obtain the kernel from certain nuts, first peeling, the drying, and finally cracking them open with a rock and anvil (BBC Life: Life's Challenges),

 

Interesting. I would not have thought animals would have the patience/attention span to do this.

 

I was therefore wondering if chimps are really the most intelligent primates, or if we're just biassed because they're our closest genetic relatives.

 

I think depending on how you measure intelligence, humans might not be the most intelligent. Really what makes us special is not just our intelligence, but other attributes: society, communication, abstract thought, ability to create/use technology.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was therefore wondering if chimps are really the most intelligent primates.

 

I know that I'm biased, but I still think that humans are the most intelligent primates, insofar as comparing species' intelligence is meaningful.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I thought humans belonged to a separate order. Apparently simians is the correct term for apes and monkeys collectively.

 

Humans are apes. We're in the same family as chimps, gorillas, and orangutans.

 

human classification:

 

Order: primates

suborder: Haplorhinni

infraorder: Simiiformes (the "simians")

parvorder: Catarrhini

superfamily: Hominoidea (the "apes")

family: Hominidae (the "great apes")

subfamily: Homininae (humans, gorillas, and chimps)

tribe: Hominini (humans and chimps)

genus: homo (humans, and some extinct relatives)

species: sapiens (just us!)

Edited by Sisyphus
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.