[_ Old Earth _] Tool usage

[reznwerks]

"For the first time ever, scientists have observed and photographed wild gorillas using tools, in one instance employing a stick to test the depth of a pool before wading into it, according to a study by the Bronx Zoo-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and other organizations. Up to this point, all other species of great apes, including chimpanzees and orangutans, have been observed using tools in the wild, but never gorillas."



http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 081045.htm

 

[unred typo]

Up to this point, all other species of great apes, including chimpanzees and orangutans, have been observed using tools in the wild, but never gorillas.

Your point is…. Bigger doesn’t mean better? :-D

 

[reznwerks]

right

Up to this point, all other species of great apes, including chimpanzees and orangutans, have been observed using tools in the wild, but never gorillas.

Your point is…. Bigger doesn’t mean better? :-D

I am not surprised you didn't understand it.

 

[unred typo]

And I’m not surprised you didn’t invest any of your personal input to guide us ignorant yecs to realize the magnitude of this discovery and it’s significance to the big ToE. Testing the wind before you venture out with some dubious claims about this evolutionary limb of your family tree?

 

[Barbarian]

Gorillas are the most herbivorous of the apes, and their large size makes them pretty much immune to any predator by man. This would tend to make them less curious and intelligent than other apes. Chimps, the smallest, and most often victims of predation, are a lot smarter, and much more efficient toolmakers.

 

[unred typo]

Gorillas are the most herbivorous of the apes, and their large size makes them pretty much immune to any predator by man. This would tend to make them less curious and intelligent than other apes. Chimps, the smallest, and most often victims of predation, are a lot smarter, and much more efficient toolmakers.

And ants, who are even smaller not only use tools but have even evolved their own leaf cutting mandibles all by themselves to harvest leaves to feed their aphid herds. Genius. :wink: Your point was?

 

[reznwerks]

"

[quote="The Barbarian":cf795]Gorillas are the most herbivorous of the apes, and their large size makes them pretty much immune to any predator by man. This would tend to make them less curious and intelligent than other apes. Chimps, the smallest, and most often victims of predation, are a lot smarter, and much more efficient toolmakers.

And ants, who are even smaller not only use tools but have even evolved their own leaf cutting mandibles all by themselves to harvest leaves to feed their aphid herds. Genius. :wink: Your point was?[/quote:cf795]
We are discussing the evolution of man or hominids. Ants are part of the insect category. Please stay on topic.

 

[reznwerks]

huh

[quote="The Barbarian":f2130]Gorillas are the most herbivorous of the apes, and their large size makes them pretty much immune to any predator by man. This would tend to make them less curious and intelligent than other apes. Chimps, the smallest, and most often victims of predation, are a lot smarter, and much more efficient toolmakers.

And ants, who are even smaller not only use tools but have even evolved their own leaf cutting mandibles all by themselves to harvest leaves to feed their aphid herds. Genius. :wink: Your point was?[/quote:f2130]
I almost missed it but you admit that ants evolved. Apparantly you now accept evolution as a real phenomenon. Congratulations!

 

[Barbarian]

The point, of course, is that ants evolved a reflexive behavior. Primates evolved intelligence and an ability to learn and modify behavior.

One genius gorilla has figured out stone tools. Most likely, he's like Koko and some other prodigy apes, who are far above their fellows in this respect.