Primate Aggression

Assignment 5, Article 15
“Rethinking Primates Aggression” written by Richard Conniff tells about the need to reconnect after a fight only the subject matter is chimpanzees and not humans. This article shows basic need to be reassured that all is still well. It also points to a greater understanding of behavior, be it chimpanzee or human. Conniff chronicles Frans de Waal research of chimpanzees and his observations. His admiration for de Waal is evident in his writtings and his siding on the anthropomorphism debate also focused in this article. In short Conniff is paraphrasing de Waal.
The article gives examples of how making up after a conflict can strengthen the group and help keep them united, just like in a human family unit. This is a very important aspect of evolution since there is strength in numbers. Chimpanzees have simply figured out they have a better chance of survival if they stick together so they better make peace thus making the group stronger and more united.
What I found interesting however was de Waal’s research center erecting partitions in the chimpanzee habitat so the chimps could copulate without being caught by the alpha male. Was this really a necessary addition to the habitat? Doesn’t this stray from natural environments? Do chimpanzees really have strong enough sexual urges to need to fulfill them? Apparently de Waal felt they were needed but they still leave this reader puzzled.