To study the morphology and behavior of primates in a zoo setting - Essay Example

Topic: TO STUDY THE MORPHOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR OF PRIMATES IN A ZOO SETTING The Toronto zoo is a world-renowned touristattraction site located in Meadowvale road in Canada. The site normally opens between 9.30 am and 4.30 am. The bus left Kennedy station a few minutes to ten o’clock on 23 August 2014.Everyone was excited. It took two hours for us to arrive at the checkpoint where we were shortly cleared for entrance. The serene, sunny weather gave us a warm reception of the epic scenery (Toronto zoo, Para 1).

The zoo hosts a number of primates that are unique in their lifestyles. Chimpanzees are very sociable and work as a team during hunting. They are also very generous because they share their prey with members of other groups. They are cunning and diligent after they kill their prey because they eat it on trees to avoid other predators. The primates also remove tree leaves and use it to create a tool that they use capture insects that they eat as food. Interestingly, chimpanzees steal honey from beehives that they eat and later use small shrubs as toothpick.

Leaves are folded to create a ridge that is used to fetch drinking water. Conversely, chimpanzees use rocks to hunt for their prey. Unfortunately, they experience difficulty when they use such weapons because their lack proper hand coordination (Palomar, paras.1-2). The zoo is a home for the red Ape, which is becoming extinct. They have a well-built body structure and are unsociable. The organization has made measures ensure that they protect the endangered species, and construction of the equipment is underway.

The zoo supports initiatives to protect the orangutan from becoming extinct have been put forth. According to the organization, a breeding project is ongoing in the United States to enhance the lives of the primates (Toronto zoo, paras. 1-3). Monkeys are also part of the primate family. During the tour, we observed monkeys were vegetarians. They affectionately relate with their young ones and are united in groups. The young ones also monitored how their elders were hunting for food and at times tried to imitate them.

The animals also Quadra pedaled in groups and in some instances chased away other animals that tried to attack them. They hunted without having any interference because other animals were scared of them. Unlike chimpanzees that send signals to other members of the group when they find food, monkeys are selfish when they find food. Monkeys are very greedy and only share the food among group members if it is only available in abundance (Palomar, paras 4-5). Chimpanzees are the unique primates according to the visit to the zoo.

They not only hunt together but also share the spoils amongst themselves. The leaders of the hunting group are usually given priority to eat fast as a sign of respect.Also; they give a chance to those which were not part of the hunting group to have a slice of the meal. Primates have outstanding character in comparison with other animals because they conduct themselves in many instances like human beings. They are extremely intelligent from the way they behave and their way of hunting bits our imagination.

Young ones acquire survival tactics from their parents that help them to adapt the environment (Palomar, paras 6-8).Works citedToronto zoo.Orangutanexhibit: Build a Noah’s ark for Orangutan! 2014. Web. 22. Oct 2014. Palomar. Adaptations of group living.2012.Web 22 Oct 2014.http://anthro.palomar.edu/behavior/behave_3.htm