Monkeys Smashing Nuts Hint at How Human Tool Use Evolved
Human beings used to be defined as “the tool-maker” species. But the uniqueness of this description was challenged in the 1960s when Dr. Jane Goodall discovered that chimpanzees will pick and modify grass stems to use to collect termites. Her observations called into question homo sapiens‘ very place in the world. Since then scientists’ knowledge of animal tool use has expanded exponentially.
Introducing Our Fall 2019 Grantees
We are pleased to announce the recipients of our fall 2019 research grants. This granting cycle, The Leakey Foundation is supporting the research of 27 scientists working at field sites and in laboratories around the world.
Announcing the Joan Cogswell Donner Field School Scholarship
The Leakey Foundation is proud to announce the Joan Cogswell Donner Field School Scholarship which will provide grants of up to $2,000 to students from countries where there are abundant scientific resources but limited resources for academic development.
Chimpanzees more likely to share tools, teach skills when task is complex
Teach a chimpanzee to fish for insects to eat, and you feed her for a lifetime. Teach her a better way to use tools in gathering prey, and you may change the course of evolution.