Yes, and I bet if you did a survey in the street, hardly anyone would even know what a Bonobo is....

But then, why shouldn't we let them become extinct? After all, genocide is what homo sapien sapien seems to do best ...

I think its terrible when a species of animal is extinct because of cruel human nature.

In my eyes i think that all animals that are living deserve to atleast be treated equal to humans. Just because an animal is not as advanced/evolved as us doesnt mean we should take advantage of them.

Wyatt43

Wyatt, I couldn't agree more with you. I first heard about the bonobos back in 1999. I began to learn about them and I also think they are amazing creatures. And we could learn alot from them.
One of the things they have been known to do is when a male becomes overly aggressive, several females will jump him and have sex with him until he is "stewed scrupid." They are extremely affectionate creatures and it's a real wake up call when humanity's closest relative is in danger of extinction.

The booboos also use sex, or sexual stimulation, to solve disputes - as an alternative to violence.

I don't know why but the typo of booboos made me laugh.

[edit on 3-1-2007 by kurtcobainuk]

I truly believe this thread would get more response from a animal rights forum, because here people are interested in conspiracy things.

But you got my attention for sure.

This is very interesting to me.

I had known there was a monkey species that were, in many
ways nympho's, and that's definately not a bad thing, and I
had also known that Bonobos we're are closest relatives, but
I had'nt known that they were the same species.

I honestly think Bonobos are socially more advanced than us.
Heck, all we really have going for us is technology.


I was not aware that they were in danger of going extinct.

That is very sad.


I will definately be looking into Bonobo's more.



Also, why in the world do people eat Monkeys!?!?
I mean, they're so human, how could you eat one.



Great thread MischeviousElf.
Oh, and;

You have voted MischeviousElf for the Way Above Top Secret award. You have two more votes this month.

[edit on 1/4/2007 by iori_komei]

GREAT thread Elf. Thanks.


I learned a LOT from the information you offered.

A well-deserved way above for you.

You have voted MischeviousElf for the Way Above Top Secret award. You have one more vote left for this month.

Perhaps it is their non-violent lifestyle that is driving them towards extinction? I mean the whole evolution and survival part of life has to eventually deal with violent attacks from those who trying to outcompete you in the wild. If the bonobos do not fight back when more agressive primates begin expanding or moving into new territory, eventually they will just be phased out of our world.

This is a fact of ALL life on Earth, not just human/primate. Bacteria, bugs, fish, reptiles, mammals, birds all fight each other in many environments to stay alive. IMO, if these bonobos do not fight back, they will just be eliminated, and that is probably their destiny. Pacifist creatures do not win the fight in evolution, unless they are very good at camoflauge.

Just my opinion there.

It's astonishing they are going extinct already. I recommend the book "Our inner Ape" by Franz de waal. I wonder if I were to be thrown out in a bonobo habitat with just my homo sapien self.. could I possibly mingle with the bonobos? Or would the males kill me?

Well to be honest, I would prefer not to live like a Bonobo. There are many more productive things to do than be all huggy and sexual all day long.

Now from a sentimental standpoint, sure the extinction of these primates would be tragic. But from a practical view, will their extinction really have any negative impact on the human race other than loss of bio-diversity?

Like to be honest, if they went extinct tomorrow, I would say my prayers for them, and maybe attend the funeral of the last one, but I dont really think I would shed a tear. I will still be working the next day, war will still rage across the world, Hollywood will still be putting out movies and the assembly line will continue producing manufactured goods.

It is sad, but human society and globalism will continue unabated.

Dyepes,
I know what you mean, However as with all of these things humans are still learning, growing and understanding our own evolution through the observation of our cousins.

Once they are gone like modern humans now trying to understand the lives of dinosaurs through fossils, we can gain an understanding of the physiology of the animals, their food and environment... but not the most important things, their behaviour, group dynamics, beliefs and societical structures.

As we have observed a very huge difference in these things between common chimps and bonobos, with very little DNA difference (about the same variation as humans such as pygmies and and an Eskimo) but with massively different ways of life, behaviour and social structures, it surely points to the need for humans to explore and reopen the Nurture debate in relation to the very behaviour humans themselves would like to evolve past, such as the wars you talk about.

This is the whole point if we an learn through observing these wonderful animals what the main factors are in creating this unique behaviour and structure, which is obviously as pointed out above not based on DNA, or genetic heritage. This surely gives humanity hope that we too can choose to evolve in the way socially that they have, so Wars are a thing of the past. These creatures allow us to model and take on board the positive translatable parenting, male and female interaction, teaching and reactionary behaviour to threats they have to improve our society and life experiences.

Personally obviously humans are more evolved intellectually and in terms of body and physiology, though I believe we still are like common chimps in our societical structures, look at human gangs, like chimps hunting other primates for team work and fun (if you can call it that) with often no gain for the group as a whole except teamwork, infact what this behaviour does is only for the "strongest" to assume his place in the hierarchy within that society, creating division and control this is obviously the ancient behaviour that has lead to humans thinking they are evolved because they drop laser guided bombs onto innocent civilians, out technology, amazing stuff but with a more technological copying of basic chimp hunting behaviour.

I truly see very little difference between a president or leader starting a war, all the hot air and sabre rattling before hand (press / internet), and usually picking a weaker (perceived sic Iraq !) target, and using overwhelming force and numbers to "win the war".

Watch common chimps hunt another primate, you get the alpha male screeching and getting the whole group into a frenzy, the alpha male will then coerce the whole group through subjugation into compliance then usually if the prey is of a threatening nature will not actually risk his own life to kill it but allow its (head to be brought on a plate) by its next in line with the group. Also usually only the Alpha male and his chosen female chimps get to eat the meat, the ones doing all the work don’t get a reward, just do it for the emotional and learnt response and out of fear. NOW look at a typical war and compare?

Alpha chimp/ Human Leader .... gets excited or set on a course of action, creates the excitement within his group for this aim, Press UN speeches etc.

If anyone does not agree with the Alpha Male is driven from the group... well that’s politics for you!

If you try and oppose the Alpha Male/ Leader you are attacked yourself (soldiers executed for not going to war!)

The Alpha Male directs and leads the hunt but usually does not risk his own life ... well when was the last time a President picked up a gun in a war?

The conquest happens the strength of the Alpha Male/ Leader is now more solid, his powers of subjugation more and to boot he gets the spoils..... well what happened to the oil in Iraq? Good shares for all the construction and arms companies.

This chance will be lost forever for humans to choose to learn a new way of being of interacting and of how to deal with the balance of female and male energies that govern our world and lead to both great things i.e. male energies creating industry space exploration, science etc however also Wars, Aggression violence, and Female energy, Caring Families and teaching learning education, spirituality etc but on the down side for them inaction when needed superstitious and hesitant to get involved and make a change when necessary.

We need to keep the positive aspects of ourselves but learn from the bonobos and take on board new ones whilst shedding our animalistic behaviour in other regards. In a sense the bonobos are much more highly evolved, to have evolved passed war, murder and aggression is a wonderful thing surely?

Regards

Elf.

[edit on 2-3-2007 by MischeviousElf]

Originally posted by MischeviousElf

That female Bonobo looks disinterested just like a few of my former girlfriends.

I'm sorry. Give me a warn. Back on topic.

Peace

War and fighting is not a human, or even primate trait, it is the primary means of survival for all forms of life. Inside not only our human bodies, but all animals is an immune system which wages a never-ending daily war against invasive bacteria and viruses that threaten to destroy us. It is from these single celled organisms which modern life has evolved, by be able to fight when it was needed.

the decision not to fight against a threat is a fluke and leaves vulnerable to injury and death.

If humanity decided to stop fighting tomorrow, and attempted to take on a pasifist ideology for the rest of our existence, we would undoubtedly eventually be destroyed by another for which diplomacy is not a realistic approach. Either that, or be pushed to the point where we finally decide once again to fight back.