Chimpanzee Politics
Mar 21, 2010 Politics and Society
The generally accepted image of a group of social animals involves a pack structure, with a strict pecking order. The toughest are firmly in charge, and challenges are settled with either a show of strength or outright battle.
Human societies are (usually) not quite as simple as this, so when you think about it, it’s not surprising that chimpanzee groups aren’t quite that cut-and-dried either. Chimpanzee Politics gives us an intimate look at the alliances, rebellions and Machiavellian scheming of a captive colony of chimpanzees. Butch lesbians, angry matriarchs, double-dealing leaders and more cliques than an American high school all play their parts, and you might even pick up some tips for your own office machinations if you’re that way incllined. If not, it’s still an informative and fun look at chimpanzee behaviour.
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