This remarkable primate with the curious name is challenging established views on human evolution. The bonobo, least known of the great apes, is a female-centred, egalitarian species that has been dubbed the 'make-love-not-war' primate by specialists. In bonobo society, females form alliances to intimidate males, sexual behaviour (in virtually every partner combination) replaces aggression and serves many social functions, and unrelated groups mingle instead of fighting. The species' most striking achievement is not tool ...
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This remarkable primate with the curious name is challenging established views on human evolution. The bonobo, least known of the great apes, is a female-centred, egalitarian species that has been dubbed the 'make-love-not-war' primate by specialists. In bonobo society, females form alliances to intimidate males, sexual behaviour (in virtually every partner combination) replaces aggression and serves many social functions, and unrelated groups mingle instead of fighting. The species' most striking achievement is not tool use or warfare but sensitivity to others. In the first book to combine and compare data from captivity and the field, Frans de Waal, a world-renowned primatologist, and Frans Lanting, an internationally acclaimed wildlife photographer, present the most up-to-date perspective available on the bonobo.Focusing on social organization, de Waal compares the bonobo with its better-known relative, the chimpanzee. The bonobo's relatively nonviolent behaviour and the tendency for females to dominate males confront the evolutionary models derived from observing the chimpanzee's male power politics, cooperative hunting, and intergroup warfare. Further, the bonobo's frequent, imaginative sexual contacts, along with its low reproduction rate, belie any notion that the sole natural purpose of sex is procreation. Humans share over 98 per cent of their genetic material with the bonobo and the chimpanzee.Is it possible that the peaceable bonobo has retained traits of our common ancestor that we find hard to recognize in ourselves? Eight superb full-colour photo essays offer a rare view of the bonobo in its native habitat in the rain forests of Zaire as well as in zoos and research facilities. Additional photographs and highlighted interviews with leading bonobo experts complement the text. This book points the way to viable alternatives to male-based models of human evolution and will add considerably to debates on the origin of our species. Anyone interested in primates, gender issues, evolutionary psychology, and exceptional wildlife photography will find a fascinating companion in "Bonobo: The Forgotten Ape".
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 1350grams, ISBN: 9780520205352.
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Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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Seller's Description:
Near Fine in near fine jacket. First edition, 1997. Quarto, cloth hardcover in dust jacket, 210 pp., illustrated in color, clean unmarked text, Near Fine copy in Near Fine dust jacket. Dust jacket housed in archival dust jacket protector.
