Intergroup Aggression in Chimpanzees and War in Nomadic Hunter-Gatherers

摘要: Chimpanzee and hunter-gatherer intergroup aggression differ in important ways, including humans having the ability to form peaceful relationships alliances among groups. This paper nevertheless evaluates hypothesis that evolved according same functional principles two species—selection favoring a tendency kill members of neighboring groups when killing could be carried out safely. According this idea chimpanzees are equally risk-averse fighting. When self-sacrificial war practices found humans, therefore, they result from cultural systems reward, punishment, coercion rather than adaptations greater risk-taking. To test “chimpanzee model,” we review fighting nomadic hunter-gatherers living with other as neighbors. Whether have specific psychological for is unknown, but current evidence suggests chimpanzee model an appropriate starting point analyzing biological evolution warfare.