6 fascinating things we've learned from studying apes and monkeys

The details of these experiments aren't always pretty, but our primate ancestors have taught us a whole lot about ourselves

Humans aren't the only ones who experience midlife crises.
(Image credit: ThinkStock/iStockphoto)

A committee from the National Institutes of Health recently recommended that scientists retire a majority of the chimpanzees currently being used for federally-funded medical research in the United States. The recommendation comes after a groundbreaking 2011 report from the Institute of Medicine that said such research is harmful to the animals and largely unnecessary. The NIH owns roughly 360 chimps, and the report suggests all but 50 of them ought to be sent to a national sanctuary. But while animal activists are rejoicing, others wonder if the cutback will come at the cost of advances in medical research. Wherever you stand on that argument, it's worth taking a look back at some of the things we've learned by studying chimps, monkeys, and other non-human primates over the years. The methodology of some research is unsettling — but the conclusions do lead to a better understanding of who we are.

1. Stress early in life can lead to drinking later in life

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Jessica Hullinger

Jessica Hullinger is a writer and former deputy editor of The Week Digital. Originally from the American Midwest, she completed a degree in journalism at Indiana University Bloomington before relocating to New York City, where she pursued a career in media. After joining The Week as an intern in 2010, she served as the title’s audience development manager, senior editor and deputy editor, as well as a regular guest on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast. Her writing has featured in other publications including Popular Science, Fast Company, Fortune, and Self magazine, and she loves covering science and climate-related issues.