Chimpanzee Behavior and Conservation from Coursera

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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.

The Early Days

For this week, learners will experience the adventure and risks that Jane Goodall undertook in launching her research at Gombe. Learners will be able to recognize why it's important to study chimpanzees and the kinds of research questions we can ask by studying them. Learners will be able to identify different techniques used to collect the different kinds of data necessary to answer the research questions. Additionally, learners will be able to identify the range of chimpanzee populations across Africa and the structure of chimpanzee communities.

Early Life and Mother-Infant Bonds

In this week, learners will understand key similarities and differences in birth and motherhood in chimpanzees and humans and will be able to list and explain major development milestones in infant and juvenile chimpanzees. Additionally, learners will be able to classify types of infant play and recognize the value of play for chimpanzee development.

Making a Living in the Forest

Upon completion of this week's materials, learners will be able to create a framework to outline a typical day in the life of a chimpanzee. This includes being able to identify important food sources for chimpanzees and being able to relate differences in diet to changes in behavior. Learners will also be able to hypothesize about the cognitive skills required for chimpanzees to forage and hunt successfully.

Social Lives and Relationships

In this week, learners will be able to identify the types of competitive and friendly behavior that chimpanzees demonstrate between and within groups. They will appreciate the importance of dominance hierarchies and how these are determined and be able to evaluate the importance of close social bonds for chimpanzees. Learners will also be able to identify both male and female mating strategies, including female sexual swellings and when they occur. Additionally, by the end of this week learners will be able to explain why there can be conflict between males and females over mating and why inbreeding is worse for females than males.

Protecting Chimpanzees

In this week, learners will be able to identify and describe threats to chimpanzee populations and evaluate the role that captive chimpanzees play in chimpanzee conservation. Learners should also be able to make an effective argument against the use of chimpanzees in entertainment in terms of effects on conservation efforts and attitude, as well as assess the importance of education and human wellness in conservation outcomes. Lastly, learners should be inspired to contribute to the goal of chimpanzee conservation through actions and outreach.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Praised chimpanzee conservation course

Students largely praise the Chimpanzee Behavior and Conservation course, describing it as interesting, engaging, accessible, and fun. They say that the knowledgeable instructors provide clear information and practical experience. Students enjoy the videos, resources, and discussions, and appreciate the course's focus on conservation efforts. However, one student suggests that the course length could be longer for those with prior knowledge.

Students find the course lectures and activities engaging.

"The course was short, fun, and enjoyable for those looking to further their primate knowledge :)"

"This course was pretty fun, and I learned a lot! Overall, this course taught everything that it promised to in an engaging and entertaining way."

"I really enjoyed this course, it was well presented, in a level that was accessible and was enlightening!"

The course raises awareness about chimpanzee conservation.

"I learned a lot about chimpanzees and Jane Goodall! "

"Really inspired me to help in primate conservation"

"This course was extremely helpful. I gained a lot of valuable knowledge from this. The course materials were very comprehensive and provided a lot of insights. This also shares a lot of information which has changed my perception on chimpanzees. Highly recommended!"

Instructors are seen as experts in the field.

"All of the professors were very knowledgeable and experienced in the field of evolutionary biology."

"The course was well structured, interesting and informative."

"The instructors are well spoken and the material is clear."

Some students suggest that the course could be longer.

"It was all good except for the last assignment I thought it was kind of silly to make a poster might be easier for some to cut and paste from the internet but I'm old school had to make it pen to paper with very little resources was not easy to do"

"I really liked and enjoyed this course. Good lessons and good teachers. I personally recommend this course for people who would like to start learning about chimpanzees and/or primates. I don't give 5 stars because I think is a bit short for people already with knowledge about it."

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

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Review key concepts in evolutionary biology to strengthen your foundation for understanding chimpanzee behavior.

Browse courses on Evolutionary Biology

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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

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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

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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

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Recall concepts from introductory biology, ecology, and primatology to enhance your experience in this course.

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Examine textbooks and articles on primatology
Take practice quizzes to test your understanding

Nine other activities

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Dive Deeper into Jane Goodall's Work

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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

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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

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Explore Jane Goodall's groundbreaking research techniques to gain insights into the study of chimpanzees.

Browse courses on Jane Goodall

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Watch documentaries and interviews about Jane Goodall's work
Read excerpts from her books and articles

Engage in Discussion Forums

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Connect with fellow students and engage in discussions to share insights, ask questions, and reinforce your understanding of chimpanzee behavior.

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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

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Engage in group discussions to share and refine your understanding of the cognitive abilities of chimpanzees.

Browse courses on Problem-Solving

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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

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Apply your knowledge by observing and recording the behaviors of chimpanzees in videos or documentaries.

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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

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Synthesize your understanding of chimpanzee social dynamics by creating a comprehensive written summary.

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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

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Gain practical experience working with animals and contribute to the welfare of chimpanzees through volunteerism.

Browse courses on Animal Care

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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

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Showcase your understanding of chimpanzee conservation issues and raise awareness through creative visual content.

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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

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Engage in independent research by designing a research proposal that aligns with your interests in chimpanzee behavior and conservation.

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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:

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animal Behaviorist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Primatologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Biologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ecologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Zoologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animal Rights Advocate

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Educator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Field Biologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chimpanzee Researcher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservationist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Veterinarian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Zookeeper

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Photographer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer