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Emily Boehm,
Anne Pusey,
and
Kara Walker
Chimpanzees are one of our closest living relatives, yet almost nothing was known about their behavior in the wild until Jane Goodall started her groundbreaking study of the chimpanzees of Gombe, Tanzania in 1960. This study continues today, following the same chimpanzee families that Jane Goodall first encountered over 55 years ago. Guided by three course instructors who have lived and worked with the Gombe chimpanzees, you will learn how Goodall’s early discoveries changed our view of human uniqueness. By completing the course, you will gain a new appreciation of the deep similarities between chimpanzees and humans in intelligence, tool use, hunting, personality and social relationships, as well as some key differences. You will learn how chimpanzees interact with their environment and how their behavior is influenced by ecology, as well as the severe conservation challenges they face today. And you will employ your new knowledge of chimpanzees to construct a persuasive argument for their protection. This course is open to everyone interested in learning more about these fascinating and complex beings. Knowledge of high-school level biology is beneficial but not required. Please keep in mind, however, that the content of this course will cover all aspects of chimpanzee life, including scientific discussion of sexual and aggressive behaviors.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/u2yrnp/chimpanzee
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction
Welcome! We are glad you chose to join us to learn more about chimpanzees. We are looking forward to sharing what we've learned while we have studied chimpanzees. Please watch our welcome video to get started.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction
Welcome! We are glad you chose to join us to learn more about chimpanzees. We are looking forward to sharing what we've learned while we have studied chimpanzees. Please watch our welcome video to get started.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides an insider's perspective on landmark research on chimpanzees
Explores characteristics of chimpanzee life and society
Develops an appreciation for similarities and differences between humans and chimpanzees
Examines the challenges facing chimpanzee conservation
Equips learners to construct persuasive arguments for chimpanzee protection
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Reviews summary
Insights into chimpanzee life and conservation
According to learners, this course offers a positivedeep dive into chimpanzee behavior and conservationpositive, led by positiveexpert instructorspositive with unique ties to the neutralGombe researchneutral. Students found the positivelecturespositive particularly positiveengaging and informativepositive, providing positivevaluable insightspositive into chimpanzee social dynamics, intelligence, and the pressing warningconservation challengeswarning. Many reported gaining a new perspective and felt moved by the course's emphasis on conservation. The content, which includes scientific discussion of neutralsexual and aggressive behaviorsneutral, was widely considered positiveaccessiblepositive even for those without a strong science background, making it a positivehighly enriching learning experiencepositive.
Discusses sexual and aggressive behaviors.
"Be aware that the course includes scientific discussions of mating and aggression."
"It covers all aspects of chimpanzee life, including behaviors some might find sensitive."
"While scientific, some parts on sexual and aggressive behaviors are quite explicit."
Suitable for learners without biology background.
"I don't have a science background, but I found everything easy to follow and very well explained."
"The course was perfect for someone like me just wanting to learn about chimpanzees."
"It provides a great introduction to the topic without being overly technical."
Highlights threats and conservation efforts.
"The conservation section was powerful and truly highlighted the urgency of protecting these animals."
"This course made me feel inspired to contribute to conservation efforts in any way I can."
"It effectively showed the threats chimpanzees face and why conservation is so vital."
Detailed exploration of chimpanzee behavior.
"I gained such a detailed understanding of their social structures, tool use, and personalities."
"The modules on hunting and cooperation were particularly eye-opening for me."
"Learning about the similarities between chimps and humans really changed my perspective."
Taught by researchers with Gombe experience.
"It was fascinating to learn from scientists who have worked directly with the Gombe chimpanzees."
"The instructors' passion and firsthand knowledge really brought the material to life for me."
"I appreciated hearing insights straight from researchers involved in this historic study."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Chimpanzee Behavior and Conservation with these
activities:
Brush Up on Evolutionary Biology
Show steps
Review key concepts in evolutionary biology to strengthen your foundation for understanding chimpanzee behavior.
Browse courses on
Evolutionary Biology
Show steps
-
Review basic principles of evolution, such as natural selection and genetic variation
-
Explore the evolutionary history of chimpanzees and their relationship to humans
Explore the Behavior of Chimpanzees
Show steps
Review the classic work on chimpanzees that launched a field and gained unprecedented insights into their world.
View
Visions of Caliban: On Chimpanzees and People
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read Chapter 1: Introduction
-
Read Chapters 2-4: Social Interactions and Development
-
Summarize the key findings and implications of the research presented in the book.
Review primatology basics
Show steps
Recall concepts from introductory biology, ecology, and primatology to enhance your experience in this course.
Show steps
-
Examine textbooks and articles on primatology
-
Take practice quizzes to test your understanding
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Dive Deeper into Jane Goodall's Work
Show steps
Explore online resources and videos to deepen your understanding of Jane Goodall's research and its impact on the field of primatology.
Browse courses on
Jane Goodall
Show steps
-
Watch the National Geographic documentary 'Jane'
-
Visit the Jane Goodall Institute website and explore their educational resources
-
Read articles and watch videos about Jane Goodall's conservation efforts
Learn about Jane Goodall's methodology
Show steps
Explore Jane Goodall's groundbreaking research techniques to gain insights into the study of chimpanzees.
Browse courses on
Jane Goodall
Show steps
-
Watch documentaries and interviews about Jane Goodall's work
-
Read excerpts from her books and articles
Engage in Discussion Forums
Show steps
Connect with fellow students and engage in discussions to share insights, ask questions, and reinforce your understanding of chimpanzee behavior.
Show steps
-
Join the course discussion forum
-
Participate in weekly discussions by posting thoughtful questions and responding to others
Discuss the role of tool use in chimpanzee intelligence
Show steps
Engage in group discussions to share and refine your understanding of the cognitive abilities of chimpanzees.
Browse courses on
Problem-Solving
Show steps
-
Prepare by reading assigned materials on tool use in chimpanzees
-
Join a discussion group and actively participate
-
Reflect on the discussion and summarize key points
Build a Chimpanzee Behavior Journal
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by observing and recording the behaviors of chimpanzees in videos or documentaries.
Show steps
-
Select a video or documentary about chimpanzees
-
Create a journal to record your observations
-
Observe and record specific behaviors, such as social interactions, feeding, and tool use
-
Summarize your observations and identify patterns in chimpanzee behavior
Write a summary of chimpanzee social structure
Show steps
Synthesize your understanding of chimpanzee social dynamics by creating a comprehensive written summary.
Show steps
-
Research and gather information on chimpanzee social behavior
-
Organize your findings into a coherent outline
-
Write a clear and concise summary
Volunteer at a local zoo or animal sanctuary
Show steps
Gain practical experience working with animals and contribute to the welfare of chimpanzees through volunteerism.
Browse courses on
Animal Care
Show steps
-
Research and identify local zoos or animal sanctuaries that work with chimpanzees
-
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
-
Complete necessary training and background checks
-
Attend volunteer shifts and assist with animal care and enrichment activities
Design a poster or infographic on chimpanzee conservation
Show steps
Showcase your understanding of chimpanzee conservation issues and raise awareness through creative visual content.
Show steps
-
Research and gather information on chimpanzee conservation threats and solutions
-
Choose a visually appealing design format, such as a poster or infographic
-
Create a clear and concise message that highlights the importance of conservation
Develop a research proposal on a topic related to chimpanzees
Show steps
Engage in independent research by designing a research proposal that aligns with your interests in chimpanzee behavior and conservation.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific research topic and develop a research question
-
Review existing literature and identify gaps in knowledge
-
Design a research methodology, including data collection and analysis methods
-
Write a research proposal outlining your research plan and expected outcomes
Brush Up on Evolutionary Biology
Show steps
Review key concepts in evolutionary biology to strengthen your foundation for understanding chimpanzee behavior.
Browse courses on
Evolutionary Biology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review basic principles of evolution, such as natural selection and genetic variation
- Explore the evolutionary history of chimpanzees and their relationship to humans
Explore the Behavior of Chimpanzees
Show steps
Review the classic work on chimpanzees that launched a field and gained unprecedented insights into their world.
View
Visions of Caliban: On Chimpanzees and People
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read Chapter 1: Introduction
- Read Chapters 2-4: Social Interactions and Development
- Summarize the key findings and implications of the research presented in the book.
Review primatology basics
Show steps
Recall concepts from introductory biology, ecology, and primatology to enhance your experience in this course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Examine textbooks and articles on primatology
- Take practice quizzes to test your understanding
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Dive Deeper into Jane Goodall's Work
Show steps
Explore online resources and videos to deepen your understanding of Jane Goodall's research and its impact on the field of primatology.
Browse courses on
Jane Goodall
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Watch the National Geographic documentary 'Jane'
- Visit the Jane Goodall Institute website and explore their educational resources
- Read articles and watch videos about Jane Goodall's conservation efforts
Learn about Jane Goodall's methodology
Show steps
Explore Jane Goodall's groundbreaking research techniques to gain insights into the study of chimpanzees.
Browse courses on
Jane Goodall
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Watch documentaries and interviews about Jane Goodall's work
- Read excerpts from her books and articles
Engage in Discussion Forums
Show steps
Connect with fellow students and engage in discussions to share insights, ask questions, and reinforce your understanding of chimpanzee behavior.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join the course discussion forum
- Participate in weekly discussions by posting thoughtful questions and responding to others
Discuss the role of tool use in chimpanzee intelligence
Show steps
Engage in group discussions to share and refine your understanding of the cognitive abilities of chimpanzees.
Browse courses on
Problem-Solving
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Prepare by reading assigned materials on tool use in chimpanzees
- Join a discussion group and actively participate
- Reflect on the discussion and summarize key points
Build a Chimpanzee Behavior Journal
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by observing and recording the behaviors of chimpanzees in videos or documentaries.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a video or documentary about chimpanzees
- Create a journal to record your observations
- Observe and record specific behaviors, such as social interactions, feeding, and tool use
- Summarize your observations and identify patterns in chimpanzee behavior
Write a summary of chimpanzee social structure
Show steps
Synthesize your understanding of chimpanzee social dynamics by creating a comprehensive written summary.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and gather information on chimpanzee social behavior
- Organize your findings into a coherent outline
- Write a clear and concise summary
Volunteer at a local zoo or animal sanctuary
Show steps
Gain practical experience working with animals and contribute to the welfare of chimpanzees through volunteerism.
Browse courses on
Animal Care
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify local zoos or animal sanctuaries that work with chimpanzees
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
- Complete necessary training and background checks
- Attend volunteer shifts and assist with animal care and enrichment activities
Design a poster or infographic on chimpanzee conservation
Show steps
Showcase your understanding of chimpanzee conservation issues and raise awareness through creative visual content.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and gather information on chimpanzee conservation threats and solutions
- Choose a visually appealing design format, such as a poster or infographic
- Create a clear and concise message that highlights the importance of conservation
Develop a research proposal on a topic related to chimpanzees
Show steps
Engage in independent research by designing a research proposal that aligns with your interests in chimpanzee behavior and conservation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific research topic and develop a research question
- Review existing literature and identify gaps in knowledge
- Design a research methodology, including data collection and analysis methods
- Write a research proposal outlining your research plan and expected outcomes
Career center
Learners who complete Chimpanzee Behavior and Conservation will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologist
**Wildlife Biologists study the biology and ecology of wild animals.** As a Wildlife Biologist, your job duties will likely include conducting research on wildlife populations, monitoring environmental conditions, and writing scientific reports. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in understanding chimpanzee ecology.
Zoologist
Zoologist
**Zoologists study animals, including their behavior, physiology, and evolution.** As a Zoologist, your job duties will likely include conducting research on animals, teaching at universities, and writing scientific papers. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in understanding chimpanzee behavior and ecology.
Ecologist
Ecologist
**Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment.** As an Ecologist, your job duties will likely include conducting research on ecosystems, monitoring environmental conditions, and writing scientific reports. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in understanding chimpanzee ecology.
Animal Behaviorist
Animal Behaviorist
**Animal Behaviorists study the behavior of animals.** As an Animal Behaviorist, your job duties will likely include observing animals in their natural habitats or in captivity, collecting data on their behavior, and analyzing your findings. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in understanding chimpanzee behavior.
Primatologist
Primatologist
**Primatologists study primates, which include monkeys, apes, and lemurs.** As a Primatologist, your job duties will likely include conducting research on primate behavior and ecology, writing scientific papers, and teaching at universities. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in understanding chimpanzee behavior and ecology.
Science Writer
Science Writer
**Science Writers write about scientific topics for a general audience.** As a Science Writer, your job duties will likely include writing articles, books, and other materials about science for newspapers, magazines, and other publications. This course may be useful as it provides a deep understanding of chimpanzee behavior, ecology, and conservation challenges.
Animal Rights Advocate
Animal Rights Advocate
**Animal Rights Advocates work to protect the rights of animals.** As an Animal Rights Advocate, your job duties will likely include lobbying for laws to protect animals, educating the public about animal rights issues, and working with animal shelters and other organizations to help animals in need. This course may be useful as it provides a deep understanding of chimpanzee behavior and conservation challenges.
Wildlife Educator
Wildlife Educator
**Wildlife Educators teach people about wildlife and conservation.** As a Wildlife Educator, your job duties will likely include developing and delivering educational programs, working with schools and other organizations to promote wildlife conservation, and writing articles and other materials about wildlife. This course may be useful as it provides a deep understanding of chimpanzee behavior, ecology, and conservation challenges.
Chimpanzee Researcher
Chimpanzee Researcher
**Chimpanzee Researchers conduct behavioral and biological research on chimpanzees.** As a Chimpanzee Researcher, your job duties will likely include observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat or in captivity, collecting data on their behavior, and analyzing your findings. This course may be useful as it covers all aspects of chimpanzee life, including scientific discussion of sexual and aggressive behaviors.
Conservationist
Conservationist
**Conservationists work to protect natural resources and ecosystems.** As a Conservationist, your job duties will likely include developing and implementing conservation plans, working with landowners and other stakeholders to protect natural resources, and educating the public about conservation issues. This course may be useful as it covers the severe conservation challenges that chimpanzees face today.
Field Biologist
Field Biologist
**Field Biologists study plants and animals in their natural habitats.** As a Field Biologist, your job duties will likely include conducting research on wildlife populations, monitoring environmental conditions, and writing scientific reports. This course may be useful as a foundation in understanding chimpanzee behavior and ecology.
Wildlife Photographer
Wildlife Photographer
**Wildlife Photographers take pictures of animals in their natural habitats.** As a Wildlife Photographer, your job duties will likely include traveling to remote locations to photograph animals, selling your photographs to magazines and other publications, and giving lectures and presentations about your work. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in understanding chimpanzee behavior and ecology.
Zookeeper
Zookeeper
**Zookeepers care for animals in zoos and other captive settings.** As a Zookeeper, your job duties will likely include feeding, cleaning, and providing enrichment activities for animals. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in understanding chimpanzee behavior and ecology.
Veterinarian
Veterinarian
**Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and other health conditions in animals.** As a Veterinarian, your job duties will likely include performing surgeries, prescribing medications, and providing preventive care to animals. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in understanding chimpanzee biology and behavior.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyer
**Environmental Lawyers work to protect the environment and natural resources.** As an Environmental Lawyer, your job duties will likely include representing clients in environmental lawsuits, drafting environmental regulations, and advising businesses on environmental compliance. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in understanding chimpanzee conservation challenges.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/u2yrnp/chimpanzee
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Chimpanzee Behavior and Conservation.
Save
This classic work by Jane Goodall provides a detailed account of her groundbreaking research on the chimpanzees of Gombe, Tanzania. It is an essential read for anyone interested in chimpanzee behavior and conservation.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the cognitive and behavioral abilities of chimpanzees. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the intelligence and social behavior of chimpanzees.
Provides a detailed account of the ecology and social structure of the chimpanzees of the Budongo Forest in Uganda. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the behavior and ecology of chimpanzees in the wild.
Save
Explores the role of sexual selection in the evolution of human nature. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the evolutionary forces that have shaped human behavior.
Save
This biography of Jane Goodall provides an inspiring account of her life and work. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the woman who revolutionized our understanding of chimpanzees.
Argues for the extension of moral rights to great apes, including chimpanzees. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the ethical implications of our relationship with chimpanzees.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/u2yrnp/chimpanzee
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Rating
4.9
Effort
Approx. 15 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Duke University
Instructors
Emily Boehm
Anne Pusey
Kara Walker
Language
English
Transcripts
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