Exploring the origins of behaviour
Here at the Ape Behaviour & Ecology Group, we study the behaviour and ecology of wild great apes in order to learn more about the evolutionary origins of their behaviour, as well as our own. We are especially curious about how and why apes use tools.
Uncovering tool use and material culture of great apes
Complex technology is a defining trait of our species. But, despite the enormous significance of human technology, the evolutionary origin of this complex use of tools is not well understood. By comparing African apes and humans, we hope to identify the processes driving the use of technology across species and, in turn, shed light on the question: What makes us human?
From the mountains of West Africa to the Congo basin
Our long-term chimpanzee research site is located in the Nimba Mountains (Guinea) in West Africa, where we study the behavioural ecology of these mountain-dwelling chimpanzees. We also have a research project in the Congo basin forest of Central Africa, where we investigate the evolution and development of tool use and culture in chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and humans.
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RT @KathelijneKoops: Why research is critical for chimpanzee conservation efforts 💪 https://t.co/g6E7aNJatv @APE_Group_UZH @UZH_Science @UZH_en -
RT @KathelijneKoops: Wonderful coverage of our latest publication on the Nimba chimpanzees ❤️ @APE_Group_UZH https://t.co/99z9Q0rfc9
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RT @UZH_en: Genetics as a conservation tool for endangered chimpanzees 🧬💡 Read more here: https://t.co/JKjaqF9rai… https://t.co/h55rSzGj1L
Join our lab group!
We’re growing our research group, and are welcoming applications from potential Master’s students, Ph.D. students, post-doctoral researchers, and visiting researchers. If you’re someone who is driven by curiosity and a love for apes, we’d very much like to hear from you.
