Traits From the Apes

That does seem a bit convoluted. Even if we accept it, however, I’d say that some of the behaviors on this list probably qualify by their convoluted definitions, e.g.,

Note that not all of these are true for each individual human, but that’s because we are complex creatures, with modulating systems allowing us to overcome instincts. Too, some of these may be due to conditions that have been common throughout history but are no longer commone (how many of us have faced serious danger from a snake?) and so they could be rational responses to the environment, not instinctive behaviors, that are slowly disappearing.

Daniel

You gots more thans 6? Youse can remove your shoeses.

Serious question? Yeah, I think I have more than six instincts.

Daniel

What tomndebb said.

Given the closeness of our genetic relationship with chimpanzees, there are no other nonhuman animals that can be used to explain human behavior so effectively. Desmond Morris is not saying that we are chimps, or that human beings don’t have their own unique qualities and behaviors, as all species do. He and his ilk are merely pointing out similarities of behavior as evidence of a common origin.

We also have a common origin with dogs, fish, and paramecia, if you want to go back far enough, and you could probably find some behavioral commonalities between them and us. But our closer relatives in the animal world have the most.

Zoe writes:

Well, I agree with you, but I think Desmond Morris would, as well. AFAICan Recall, he claims that human lips echo vaginal lips, not butts. And I think there’s something to this one, too, since human lips are quite unlike other simian lips, and I don’t see any other compelling reason why they’re not.