Around one hundred forty-one years ago Charles Darwin hypothesized, in Origin of Species, that " humans had evolved from an apelike ancestor (78)." It was one hundred ten years later before scientists concluded that humans have many of the same emotions and bonds as the great apes.
Mother apes care for their young by holding, protecting, teaching, and rewarding, much like humans care for their children. Apes are able to communicate and make emotional connections with one another as well as with people. Apes have an incredible long-term memory. Whom ever they come in contact with, despite their time apart, will be remembered. They will also remember how the person treated them. If the person showed kindness, the ape will also. But, if they were rude, or stingy, the ape will reciprocate their behavior.
I am very intrigued by the idea of humans evolving from apes. Evolution has been pushed aside for long enough. It is time to open our eyes to new possibilities. There have been numerous studies and experiments conducted that conclude that apes and humans are related. Before apes were taught, they already knew how to show affection, as well as anger. The apes also "live in complicated societies that revolve around long-term bonds between individuals(78).".
It is obvious that hugging and kissing has been handed down from one generation to the next, but is it possible that it started with the apes. Apes were able to hug and kiss before being taught. Apes, being able to experience a feeling and than act it out, only brings them closer to the human race.
Apes, like humans, settle down in groups, begin families, and attempt to keep strong bonds with those close to them. Family and friends are just as important to the apes as they are to humans. The ape society is much like ours; "convoluted plots, passion, lots of sex and politics, surprise endings and a cast of distinct characters skilled in conveying a wide range of emotions (80).
