These explorations are intended to expand your understanding of non-human primate behavior patterns. Use your favorite Internet search programs to roam around the World Wide Web and discover what other people who have interest in these subjects have said to explain and support their views. Seek out reliable, factual sources. Do not stop at just two or three. It is worth the extra time to thoroughly research these questions and get views on all sides of the issues.
Questions to Explore
1. Search the Internet for information about teaching non-human primates to use human forms of communication (speech, sign language, computers, etc.). What ape and/or monkey species have been involved in these experiments? What are the results? What do primatologists think that this implies about the evolutionary closeness of humans and other primate species? Don't just give your own opinions.
2. Look on the Internet for examples of successful adaptations of group living among non-human primates. Describe them. Are these adaptations genetically inherited or learned behavior patterns?
3. Look on the Internet for documented examples of human sexual dimorphism that are genetically determined. Describe them based on what you have found on the Internet rather than your own personal observations. What are the professional explanations for these differences between men and women?
4. Search the Internet to find out about ongoing non-human primate studies among free-ranging populations. Why have these species been selected? In what countries are these research projects occurring? Who is doing the research?
Help Getting Started
If you have not been satisfied with the search programs that you have used in the past, try one of the following. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, none of them can link you to everything available on the Web today because of the rapid growth of sites and the way search engines selectively exclude certain kinds of sites.
Old Standby General
Search ProgramsSpecialized Information
Search Programs
If you don't have success searching with these programs, take a look at the Related Internet Links section of this tutorial.
CAUTION: In doing your searches, keep in mind that not everything on the Web is accurate, current, or true. To help discover which sites can be trusted and which ones cannot, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Who are the authors of the site? What are their credentials? Are they experts? 2. Is the information current? When was the website created and last updated? 3. Do the facts presented in the site seem correct? 4. Is the purpose of the site to objectively inform and explain or to persuade and sell a particular perspective?
Copyright © 2000-2012 by Dennis O'Neil. All rights reserved.