Aired
February 19, 2008
NOVA
NOVA
Ape Genius #S35E12
At a research site in Fongoli, Senegal, a female chimpanzee breaks off a branch, chews the end to make it sharp, and then uses this rudimentary spear to skewer a tasty bush baby hiding inside a hollow tree. It’s an astonishing breakthrough for primate researchers—the first time anyone has documented a chimpanzee wielding a carefully prepared, preplanned weapon. But it's only the latest in a slew of extraordinary new findings about ape behavior. The more researchers learn about the great apes—chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans—the more evidence they find of creative intelligence. What, then, is the essential difference between them and us? "Ape Genius," a NOVA-National Geographic special, explores that provocative question and examines research that is illuminating the ape mind. Bit by bit, investigators are finding an explanation for why the non-human great apes never made the breakthrough into a human-style culture that builds on the achievements of previous generations.
Episode 12 of Season 35 from NOVA — available to stream in HD on any device.
Comments & Discussions
Join the conversation
Sign in to leave a comment
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!
Recommended
Because you liked NOVA
Esports World Cup: Level Up
Esports World Cup: Level Up
Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure
Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure
Luc le milliardaire?
Luc le milliardaire?
TechTalk
TechTalk
Killer Kings
Killer Kings
Secret Vatican Files: The Pope and the Devil
Secret Vatican Files: The Pope and the Devil
Legends Of Shiva With Amish
Legends Of Shiva With Amish
The Real Murders of Atlanta
The Real Murders of Atlanta
24 Hours in Police Custody
24 Hours in Police Custody
Breaking4: Faith Kipyegon vs. the 4-Minute Mile
Breaking4: Faith Kipyegon vs. the 4-Minute Mile
Search for movies, TV shows, collections, manga, or people
Trending Now