The Third Chimpanzee: The Evolution and Future of the Human AnimalThe Development of an Extraordinary Species We human beings share 98 percent of our genes with chimpanzees. Yet humans are the dominant species on the planet -- having founded civilizations and religions, developed intricate and diverse forms of communication, learned science, built cities, and created breathtaking works of art -- while chimps remain animals concerned primarily with the basic necessities of survival. What is it about that two percent difference in DNA that has created such a divergence between evolutionary cousins? In this fascinating, provocative, passionate, funny, endlessly entertaining work, renowned Pulitzer Prize winning author and scientist Jared Diamond explores how the extraordinary human animal, in a remarkably short time, developed the capacity to rule the world . . . and the means to irrevocably destroy it. |
Other editions - View all
The Third Chimpanzee: The Evolution and Future of the Human Animal Jared M. Diamond Limited preview - 2006 |
Common terms and phrases
Africa agriculture already American animals apes appearance areas Australia become behavior birds body bones called caused century changes CHAPTER chimpanzees chimps civilization common consider cultural develop distinct domestication early English Europe European evidence evolution evolved example existence experiments explain exterminated extinct female finally five genes genetic genocide gorillas groups Guinea Hence horses human hundred hunters hunting Indians individual Indo-European islands it's killing land language least less linguistic living look male mammals mate means million mother names natural Neanderthals North origins past percent plants population practices Press problem proved question reached reasons recent relatives remains result selection sexual similar skin societies species stone studies suggest theory thousand traits turn understand unique University vervets wild woman women