High School

Imagine a new study comes out that states, pound for pound, chimpanzees are the strongest of the apes. What concept from Module 1 does this conclusion challenge?

A. The female being the choosy sex has no bearing on leadership structure.
B. Among the apes, leaders emerge that are the most physically dominant.
C. Leadership and social structure emerged because of humans' inherent weakness compared to other species.
D. Power can be the same as leadership.

Answer :

Final answer:

The concept challenged is that among apes, leaders emerge who are the most physically dominant. Leadership in chimpanzee societies involves not just physical strength but also social intelligence and political strategy.

Explanation:

The conclusion that chimpanzees are the strongest of the apes, pound for pound, challenges the concept that among the apes, leaders emerge that are the most physically dominant. This is based on the understanding that chimpanzee societies are complex and not solely dependent on physical strength for leadership.

Leadership in chimpanzees involves coalition-building, grooming relationships, and strategic social behaviors. The alpha male, though physically strong, also needs to be politically savvy, forming alliances and using intimidation through displays rather than just physical combat. Females also play significant roles in the community, including emigrating to other groups upon reaching sexual maturity, which contributes to the genetic diversity and social dynamics of chimpanzee societies.

Thus, leadership in chimpanzee societies involves a blend of physical strength, social intelligence, and political strategy, illustrating the complexity of primate social structures and challenging simple narratives about physical dominance.