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ANTH1: Primate Observation Project

In this project, you will start to apply what you have learned and collect some data on primate behavior by going to a zoo of your choice to collect observational data (or you can do your observation through online streaming cameras). You will then be writing up your analysis in 2 (full pages)-3 pages (single spaced).

• You will need to observe two different primate species for at least a two-hour period and compare their behaviors to each other.

• You should also discuss how these insights might help us to understand human behavior.

**You should find out when the primates tend to be most active during the day to schedule your observation.

Part 1: Complete your observation & fieldnotes

Start to record and describe the behavior of two different primate species.

• Draw the cage and label where the activities are taking place. Then just sit near by and watch! • Observe each primate species for at least one hour and describe what the animals are doing. Keep

detailed field notes of your observation, although start to order your data into some kind of a system, like a list or a rough chart. You need to have at least 10 observations for each species. You may also take pictures, draw maps, or diagrams as a part of your field notes.

• You will turn your field notes in with your final paper.

What should you record? - Describe any and all behavior and interactions you observe, and physical traits, such as:

o What do these primates look like? o What are they doing? o What kinds of interactions are they having with each other? Does sex or status affect the type of

interaction? o What kinds of sharing practices do you see? o What kinds of food related behaviors do you see? o What kind of reactions do the primates have to external noises or stimuli? o Are there any mating strategies going on? o Can you discern the social organization of the group? o What kind of vocalizations are going on? o Describe grooming interactions in detail. o Any dominant or submissive behaviors?

Sometimes, it may not seem like they are doing much, so pay close attention. If one primate is sitting by themselves, what exactly are they doing? What are other primates in the group doing at the same time?

Part 2: Create a formal chart

Now that you have your data collected, you should create a formal chart on Word or Excel (or whatever variation of these you prefer).

Below is an example of what this chart should look like, although you can add more columns to accommodate all your data. You will need to create a separate chart for each primate species you observed.

The last column is where you can start to think about why a behavior is taking place in relation to natural selection- does the behavior or trait increase the ability to survive and reproduce? How? Or is the behavior more to do with being captivity?

Observation Chart Primate Species Name/ID #

Observation How does this trait increase fitness (the ability to survive and reproduce)

Howler Monkey - 1

Pooped in its hand and threw it at an annoying kid making noises at it

Driving others away, show dominance, protect resources and territory

Howler Monkey - 1

A scream so loud it sounded like a lion, howls like its name, probably why it’s called that

Those that communicate longer distances get more mates

Howler Monkey - 1

A loud scream Maybe a dominance thing or territoriality. I will look it up. Do the females and males both do it? Or only males?

Etc (to 10+ for each species)

Part 3: Writing it up!

Now that you have made your observations and organized your data, you should be able to see if any patterns emerge. What kinds of behaviors occurred over and over? Which seem to be most common and what sort of functions are they associated with (i.e. reproduction, acquiring food, cooperation and sociality)? Any similarities/differences when you start to compare the primate species?

Note: the point of this analysis and paper is to use the data that you collected- not to rely on data that you could find online, in our book, or on zoo signs.

Your paper should include these sections:

Introduction: Write up a brief description of what you did, where, and the primates you observed. Which zoo were you at or what cams did you use (provide link)? What were your general impressions of the primates? You should include the common name for the primates, as well as their scientific name (genus & species name).

Primate Comparison: How do the behaviors of the primates you observed differ from one another? How are they similar? In terms of evolution and natural selection, why might these differences and similarities exist? Refer back to your chart- based on your data, why do you think certain behaviors the same or different?

Insights of Human Behavior: Do any of your observations give you insights into human behavior, either historically or contemporarily? Can you identify similar patterns of behavior in humans that you see at the zoo? Do they occur for the same reasons? What do you think studying primates can tell us about humans?

Conclusion: Provide a summary of your previous sections!

You should submit your paper, along with your chart, and field-notes taken while doing your observation! Your paper should be 2 (full pages)-3 pages, single spaced. New Times Roman, 12 point font. 1” margins.

Local Zoo Information: San Francisco Zoo 1 Zoo Road San Francisco, CA 94132 Phone: Main Office: 415-753-7080 Zoo admission = $20 for Adults Parking = $11.00 Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily *Tickets have to be reserved in advance Website: http://www.sfzoo.org Oakland Zoo - Reopening Feb. 3rd 9777 Golf Links Rd. Oakland, CA Phone: 510-632-9525 Zoo admission = $24 for Adults Parking = $10.00 Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily *Tickets have to be reserved in advance Website: http://www.oaklandzoo.org

Online Cams (not an exhaustive list)

San Diego Zoo Orangutans & Siamangs: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/cams/ape-cam Hamadryas baboons: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/cams/baboon-cam

Detroit Zoo Japanese macaques: https://detroitzoo.org/snow-monkey-live-cam/

Houston Zoo Chimpanzees: https://www.houstonzoo.org/explore/webcams/chimpanzee-cam/ Gorillas: https://www.houstonzoo.org/explore/webcams/gorilla-habitat-cam/ Utica Zoo Cotton-top tamarins https://www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/utica/?cam=tamarin Reid Park Zoo Ring-tailed lemurs: http://reidparkzoo.org/cameras/lemur-cam/ Grace Forest Corridor, Democratic Republic of Congo Gorilla: https://explore.org/livecams/grace-gorillas/gorilla-forest-

corridor?gclid=CjwKCAjwm_P5BRAhEiwAwRzSO0j80i_s7OaE7YQ- GOp5yIG9pW5AK9Ao8qGMwFfosfBiPNv3hkKCPBoCxt8QAvD_BwE

Edinburgh Zoo Japanese macaques: https://www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/webcams/snow-monkey-cam/