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Fingerprints

July 3, 2020 by J.B.

Chimpanzee hands are remarkably similar to our own, from their ability to grasp and use tools to their unique fingerprints. While the exact function of a fingerprint’s various whirls, loops, and arches is still unclear, it’s thought that they might increase grip on some surfaces or improve tactile perception. Scientists have yet to specifically examine the grooming-with-a-chopstick origin theory. As far as I know, koalas are the only animals other than primates to have them – a cool example of convergent evolution.

 

 

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Comments

  1. Vicky Miller says

    July 3, 2020 at 4:38 pm

    We do have a lot in common. I love listening to chimpanzees eat vegetables but humans not so much.

  2. CeeCee says

    July 3, 2020 at 4:46 pm

    I love everything Jamie, So thank you J.B. for this little video.
    Her gaze is so intense while grooming, and all that lip-smacking seems to be a part of it.
    Please ask her when she would like me to come up and give her a well deserved manicure 🙂

  3. Jo Arroyo says

    July 3, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    I know, I know! why we can’t touch the chimps and vice versa…..but I’d love to take a nap and get a hug from any of them. Sigh.

    • Jackie says

      July 3, 2020 at 10:41 pm

      I agree. I would love to hug and be hugged by any of the chimps.

  4. Kathleen says

    July 3, 2020 at 7:48 pm

    Jamie. Sigh. I love her. So I totally enjoyed being up close to her as she groomed you. It’s so cool that the chimps just rolled with the gloves, masks, and new tire that the pandemic brought about. Still, I wonder if Jamie misses seeing your nails and getting in there for a real manicure groom-er-roo. Thanks for the super close up video, just wonderful.

  5. Cara says

    July 3, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    Beautiful hands!

  6. Betsy says

    July 4, 2020 at 3:10 am

    The close-up videos you are able to get are just amazing. I’m so glad you can share what it’s like to be so close to Jamie. She’s obviously content to have you as a member of her family.

  7. Judy says

    July 4, 2020 at 10:33 am

    Love the up close view of this touching “ceremony”. I bet she does miss seeing your skin and nails but she’s just business as usual it appears … She is SO much.. .just SO much… Jamie you’re a special lady! Thank’s J.B. 🙂

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