Scientists Study Gorilla Who Uses Tools

Yahoo!News ^ | October 18, 2005 | ANJAN SUNDARAM

[mlc9852]

GOMA, Congo - An infant gorilla in a Congo sanctuary is smashing palm nuts between two rocks to extract oil, surprising and intriguing scientists who say they have much to learn about what gorillas can do — and about what that says about evolution.

It had been thought that the premeditated use of stones and sticks to accomplish a task like cracking nuts was restricted to humans and the smaller, more agile chimpanzees. Then in late September, keepers at a Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International sanctuary in this eastern Congo city saw 2 1/2-year-old female gorilla Itebero smashing palm nuts between rocks in the "hammer and anvil" technique, considered among the most complex tool use behaviors.

[Junior]

Okay, I'll buy that.

[BIRDS]

I haven't yet read other comments here...but...does anyone find it funny (other than me) that "scientists" are "studying" this gorilla who uses tools? I mean, she's figured it out already, THEY're still pondering the mystery.

[freedumb2003]

[freebird5850]

"So easy a cave man can do it"

[Lazamataz]

Scientists Study Gorilla Who Uses Tools

It's got a long way to go to catch up. We're up to computers now.

[KarlInOhio]

A more evolved, tool-using ape would just use these instead:

[Ditter]

Good use for the NYT, my puppy uses the Houston Comical.

[mlc9852]

I wonder how much this study cost? Doesn't seem too scientifically challenging to watch apes smash nuts with rocks. A tough job but somebody has to do it.

[Sacajaweau]

I always laugh when I hear about the invention of the wheel. Geez, roll a rock down a hill and it doesn't take much more to get to the wheel.

Because there is oil in this nut, I'm guessing that there is a smell which triggers the aggression. When these apes invent the oven, bake a pie, set the table, clean the dishes and go read the newspaper, let me know.

I find birds building a nest much more interesting than this ape.

[mlc9852]

I agree. Birds are fascinating and don't get nearly the attention they deserve! And what other animal can talk?

[rom]

I'll handle this... The only danger in space is if we land on the terrible Planet of the Apes... wait a minute. Statue of Liberty... THAT WAS OUR PLANET! YOU MANIACS! YOU BLEW IT UP! DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL

Ahh the Simpsons and Heston. Two of my favorites rolled in one.

[microgood]

Well, at least Germany is getting stuck with the bill for this one.

We obviously need a worldwide reduction in force of these silly scientists. Repurpose them to fight the war on terror.

[NormB]

An interesting experiment would be to put the gorilla on welfare and see if he stops using tools.

[mlc9852]

LOL - maybe they can get the funding to find out.

[sheik yerbouty]

"Hi Koko!"

[sheik yerbouty]

That is actually "Gorilla Aquaticus"..

[The Great RJ]

The gorilla is also a registered Democrat and has voted in the last two Presidential Elections.

[newsgatherer]

Gorilla Aquaticus

Ah, ha, a Gorilla Aquaticus, I should have known, teddie kennedie aka US senator aka Gorilla Aquaticus.

[PatrickHenry]

gorilla ping!

Oook, oook!

[newgeezer]

(title) Scientists Study Gorilla Who Uses Tools

Next thing you know, she'll be...