Good ideas and conversation. No ads, no tracking. Login or Take a Tour!
theadvancedapes · 4363 days ago · link · · parent · post: Are western chimpanzees a new species of Pan?
My point with the distinction between West and Central was to show that the current subspecies categories that have been constructed may be superficial and inaccurate. It appears as though the central and eastern subspecies are very similar genetically and behaviourally - but the western chimpanzee is genetically distinct and exhibits a different suite of behaviours. I remember when I first heard about the Fongoli chimps - it really is incredible insight into our own evolution. I don't think it is a coincidence that a population of chimps adapted to a savannah (like our ancestors were) start to develop similar technologies to our ancient hominid ancestors.