Chimp & See Talk

Chimp anatomy

  • zoogirl1 by zoogirl1

    Don't laugh at me (even though I know you are). I will try to be delicate. Since there has been new discussion on "swellings" hashtags I was wondering something. The swelling on chimps seem to be where our butts would be. Since they copulate from behind I guess this makes sense which leads me to 2 questions:

    1. where is their butt?
    2. Bonobos copulate in other positions as well so where is their "swelling" and are they more closely related to our physical appearance?
      I tried to look this up but they don't focus on these things when you ask about anatomy.

    Posted

  • MimiA by MimiA scientist, moderator

    Hey @zoogirl1 - I am definitely not laughing, these are all good questions!

    the swelling is often referred to as an "ano-gential swelling" since both the anus and genital area make up the swelling.

    I think this is a pretty good picture that helps see what is what - you can see both holes in this image: http://www.mindenpictures.com/cache/pcache2/90702910.jpg
    and this one too:
    http://www.arkive.org/chimpanzee/pan-troglodytes/image-G4528.html

    i think when you say butt you mean butt hole? not to get too graphic, but their parts or more or less in the same position as our parts when we are not standing upright and bonobos have their swelling in the same place too. I think in apes their parts are more dorsal but i can't find a reference for it, sorry 😕

    here are 2 bonobo females for comparison: https://images.robertharding.com/preview/RM/RH/HORIZONTAL/1173-3161.jpg

    i hope that clears it up a bit 😃

    Posted

  • zoogirl1 by zoogirl1

    Yes, thanks. That second picture from arkive.org makes you wonder why it evolved like that. Tough to sit. 😃

    Posted

  • MimiA by MimiA scientist, moderator

    Males (and probably females) find them sexy! Similar to those massive lumps of fat on our chests I guess 😉

    Posted

  • MimiA by MimiA scientist, moderator

    Today chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest posted this "Admit it - you've got questions about chimpanzee butts. We've got answers." - everyone is curious!

    http://www.chimpsanctuarynw.org/blog/2016/07/swellings/

    Posted

  • zoogirl1 by zoogirl1

    Good article. thanks

    Posted