STUDY OF MONKEY, APE AND HUMAN MORPHOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY RELATING TO STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE; PHASE 3I: THE TESTING OF CHIMPANZEE STRENGTH PRIOR TO 1961
Abstract
Muscular strength as an area of significant functional differences between man and chimpanzee is probably second only to higher mental function. Anecdotal observations suggesting markedly superior strength in apes are confired by the studies of Baumen (1923; 1926). Motivated by rage and curiosity, adult chimpanzees pulled a handle attached to a rope, using one or both hands; dynamometer readings showed forces four and three times as great respectively as those produced by men of equivalent body-weight. In another experiment eight adult chimpanzees pulled a rope lacking a handle for increasing food incentives (Finch, 1943); their performances were only slightly superior to those of humans, body-weight considered. The contradictory findings are likely due to inadequate and inconsistent methodology, since neither experimental design satisfied more than a few of approximately thirty-seven essential criteria.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0412450
Entities
People
- William E. Edwards