CHIMPANZEES: OUR CLOSEST LIVING RELATIVES
Chimpanzees share approximately 98 per cent of their DNA with humans and are therefore considered our closest living relatives. They inhabit forests and savannahs across parts of central and western Africa. Over the past several decades, researchers have devoted considerable attention to understanding chimpanzee behaviour, hoping that such studies may provide insights into the evolution of human societies.
One of the most striking characteristics of chimpanzees is their ability to use tools. In some regions, chimpanzees select thin twigs, remove leaves from them, and insert them into termite mounds in order to extract insects for consumption. Elsewhere, groups have been observed using stones to crack open nuts. Scientists have noted that different communities often employ distinct techniques, even when they live in similar environments, suggesting that certain behaviours may be transmitted culturally rather than genetically.
Chimpanzees also exhibit a high degree of social cooperation. Individuals frequently groom one another, share food, and work together during territorial conflicts. However, cooperation is not universal. Researchers have reported cases in which dominant individuals monopolise resources or behave aggressively towards weaker group members. Some scientists argue that such behaviour demonstrates a complex understanding of social relationships, while others caution against attributing human-like motives to non-human animals.
Communication among chimpanzees involves vocalisations, facial expressions, body postures, and gestures. Studies indicate that chimpanzees can intentionally modify their gestures depending on whether another individual is paying attention. Nevertheless, scientists remain uncertain about whether chimpanzees possess anything comparable to a human language system.
Despite decades of research, many aspects of chimpanzee cognition are still poorly understood. Most long-term studies have focused on a relatively small number of populations, and little information is available regarding behavioural differences among groups living in isolated habitats. In addition, habitat destruction, disease, and illegal hunting continue to threaten chimpanzee populations throughout much of their range.
Questions 1–12
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
TRUE if the statement agrees with the passage
FALSE if the statement contradicts the passage
NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this
1. Scientists study chimpanzees partly because they may help explain how human societies developed.
2. Chimpanzees living in identical environments always use the same techniques to obtain food.
3. Researchers believe that some chimpanzee behaviours are learned from other members of the group.
4. Chimpanzees consistently cooperate with all members of their communities.
5. Certain dominant chimpanzees prevent others from accessing resources.
6. All scientists agree that aggressive behaviour among chimpanzees reflects an understanding of social relationships.
7. Chimpanzees sometimes change their gestures according to the attention of other individuals.
8. Scientists have proved that chimpanzees possess a language system similar to that of humans.
9. Long-term studies have investigated every known chimpanzee population.
10. Researchers know very little about chimpanzees living in isolated areas.
11. Illegal hunting is considered one of the threats facing chimpanzees.
12. The average lifespan of a wild chimpanzee is approximately forty years.
Summary
This IELTS reading passage explores the intelligence, social behaviour, and communication abilities of chimpanzees, our closest living relatives. It examines how chimpanzees use tools, transmit cultural behaviours, cooperate within groups, and communicate through gestures, facial expressions, and vocalisations. The passage also discusses scientific debates about chimpanzee cognition and highlights threats such as habitat destruction, disease, and illegal hunting. Twelve True, False, and Not Given questions are included to help learners improve their IELTS reading comprehension skills and understanding of animal behaviour.