This book describes the similarities and differences between two species bonobos and
chimpanzees based on the three decades the author has spent studying them in the wild and
shows how the contrasting nature of these two species is also reflected in human nature. The
most important differences between bonobos and chimpanzees our closest relatives are the
social mechanisms of coexistence in group life. Chimpanzees are known as a fairly despotic
species in which the males exclusively dominate over the females and maintain a rigid
hierarchy. Chimpanzees have developed social intelligence to survive severe competition among
males: by upholding the hierarchy of dominance they can usually preserve peaceful relations
among group members. In contrast female bonobos have the same or even a higher social status
than males. By evolving pseudo-estrus during their non-reproductive period females have
succeeded in moderating inter-male sexual competition and in initiating mate selection.
Although they are non-related in male-philopatric society they usually aggregate in a group
enjoy priority access to food determine which male is the alpha male and generally maintain
much more peaceful social relations compared to chimpanzees. Lastly by identifying key
mechanisms of social coexistence in these two species the author also seeks to find solutions
or hope for the peaceful coexistence of human beings. Takeshi Furuichi is one of very few
scientists in the world familiar with both chimpanzees and bonobos. In lively prose reflecting
personal experience with apes in the rain forest he compares our two closest relatives and
explains the striking differences between the male- dominated and territorial chimpanzees and
the female-centered gentle bonobos. Frans de Waal author of Mama's Last Hug - Animal Emotions
and What They Tell Us about Ourselves (Norton 2019)
