Question

Marigold is arguing with her friend sam about whether or not apes, like orangutans and gorillas, have cultures of their own. what is one piece of evidence marigold could offer to argue for apes having culture, as anthropologists would define it?

a. apes communicate, play, and treat members differently depending on age and gender.
b. apes are able to use tools to accomplish common goals and recognize themselves in mirrors.
c. apes are highly intelligent creatures, able to experience a range of emotions.
d. all animals have culture, humans just can’t recognize it as easily as our own culture.

Answer 1

Marigold can argue that apes have cultures by discussing how they use and transmit tool use knowledge within their groups, which is indicative of culture. The ability for advanced communication and social behaviors that maintain group cohesion among apes also supports this claim. Thus, the correct option answer is option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

Marigold can argue that apes, such as orangutans and gorillas, do indeed have cultures, as defined by anthropologists. One compelling piece of evidence is that apes are able to use tools to accomplish common goals and recognize themselves in mirrors. This ability reflects the cultural aspect of transmitting knowledge and behaviors, as apes not only utilize tools but also engage in the teaching and learning of tool use within their communities. The transmission of skills across generations is a hallmark of culture.

Animal communication also plays a crucial role in social interactions and is an integral part of primate culture. Apes demonstrate complex communicative behaviors, such as grooming and touch, which serve to maintain social bonds and convey information within their groups. The use of symbolic systems and cooperative interactions, as observed in studies with bonobos like Kanzi and Panbanisha, showcase the cognitive linguistic skills that underscore primates' capacity for culture.

The social behaviors observed in apes are not universal to all animals; they are indicative of particular cultural practices. Field studies have revealed diverse tool use among different populations of apes, suggesting localized cultural variations. Such studies enhance our understanding of the richness of ape cultures and their ability to teach, learn, and innovate, which are considered cultural characteristics according to anthropological definitions.

In conclusion, option B: "Apes are able to use tools to accomplish common goals and recognize themselves in mirrors," provides evidence supporting the existence of ape cultures.