Jane Goodall’s Research Revealed
Decades of close study of chimpanzees in the wild revolutionized what we know about these animals. Here are some of the key discoveries Jane Goodall made.
1960
Eating Meat
In Goodall’s first year of study, she observed David Greybeard eating a dead animal. This was proof that chimps eat meat.
1960
Toolmaking
Goodall observed David Greybeard making and using a tool to find and eat termites.
1964
Planning
A chimp named Figan showed planning when he “kidnapped” a chimp named Flint to get the others to follow him to a new location.
1964
Using Man‑made Objects
A chimp named Mike showed intelligence by using empty cans to create noise. He banged the cans together to scare larger males away.
1970
Awe
The sight of a waterfall inspired the chimps to perform a joyful and spontaneous dance.
1974
Warfare
In a shocking development, “war” broke out between two groups of chimps. The war lasted four years.
1975
Team Building
Figan’s status as a leader was strengthened by his close relationship with his brother, Faben.
1987
Adoption
After three‑year-old Mel’s mother died of pneumonia, he was “adopted” by a female chimp called Spindle. This was the first time that an unrelated chimp was observed to adopt an orphan youngster.
1994
Technology Transfer
The use of twigs to catch ants had been seen in only one chimp community. Yet after one chimp left that community for another, she began teaching the skill to chimps there.
1995
Medicinal Plants
Research suggests that some chimps eat the leaves of a particular plant to help stop stomach pain or get rid of parasites.