Why Do Apes Live in Groups?

All apes, except for orangutans, live in groups. This arrangement gives them advantages when it comes to raising young, protection, and overall survival. Compared to other animals, apes take a long time to grow into adults. An extended time with adults and peers enables them to learn crucial survival skills. This social learning is also vital for their integration into the group as fully functioning adults, allowing them to navigate the complexities of their social systems.

Group living offers significant protective benefits against predators and rivals. The presence of multiple individuals provides a collective defense mechanism. For instance, chimpanzees are known to engage in boundary patrols to guard against hostile chimp troops, showcasing how group living enhances their ability to protect their territory and members.

Cooperation within groups is another key reason apes live together. This cooperation extends to hunting, foraging, and sharing resources, which can increase the chances of survival for all group members. Chimpanzees, for example, exhibit complex social strategies, including cooperation in combat and sharing of food, which are crucial for their survival and social cohesion.