Aired
February 19, 2008
NOVA
NOVA
Ape Genius #S35E12
At a research site in Fongoli, Senegal, a female chimpanzee breaks off a branch, chews the end to make it sharp, and then uses this rudimentary spear to skewer a tasty bush baby hiding inside a hollow tree. It’s an astonishing breakthrough for primate researchers—the first time anyone has documented a chimpanzee wielding a carefully prepared, preplanned weapon. But it's only the latest in a slew of extraordinary new findings about ape behavior. The more researchers learn about the great apes—chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans—the more evidence they find of creative intelligence. What, then, is the essential difference between them and us? "Ape Genius," a NOVA-National Geographic special, explores that provocative question and examines research that is illuminating the ape mind. Bit by bit, investigators are finding an explanation for why the non-human great apes never made the breakthrough into a human-style culture that builds on the achievements of previous generations.
Episode 12 of Season 35 from NOVA — available to stream in HD on any device.
Comments & Discussions
Join the conversation
Sign in to leave a comment
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!
Recommended
Because you liked NOVA
Karine et la maison jaune
Karine and the Yellow House
Tucci in Italy
Tucci in Italy
Devonport: Inside the Royal Navy
Devonport: Inside the Royal Navy
Legacy
Legacy
Planet Shark
Planet Shark
All Access PD: Grand Rapids
All Access PD: Grand Rapids
Greatest Escapes of WWII
Greatest Escapes of WWII
Earnhardt
Earnhardt
Florida Heat
Florida Heat
Accused: Did I Do It?
Accused: Did I Do It?
Explore Content
Search for movies, TV shows, collections, manga, or people
Trending Now