Contagious yawning in geladas

Yawning is a common phenomenon among vertebrates. Despite its widespread occurrence, the function of yawning remains a mystery 1. Indeed, yawning has been suggested as (i) a cooling mechanism for the brain to maintain cognitive function; (ii) a communicative behavior to indicate drowsiness or stress; (iii) a way to maintain vigilance/promote alertness among animals 2. [...]

Lost in translation: update from SMNP

Research on wild primates is an amazing process of discovery. The monkeys act out little parts in a cosmic soap opera that serves as the background to your dissertation research. While gelada social interactions form the basis of my research, interchanges with fellow language-using primates provide much need comic relief during my time out here. [...]

Back in the Simien Mountains

Hello all! This is my first post since arriving in the Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia two weeks ago. Over the next two months, I will update BA&BHB with information gleaned from my pilot research on bachelor geladas living in all-male units here in SMNP. The past few weeks have been extremely busy–learning new [...]

Most complete fossil primate, Darwinius masillae

Here is a link to a recent publication describing the most complete known fossil primate specimen–Darwinius masillae–from PLoS One. The fossil dates to the early-middle Eocone (~41 million years ago). I would love to write more, however the article is summarizes the findings better than I could with my current schedule. I am very busy [...]

New theme

Hi all. I’ve switched themes just in time for this summer’s fieldwork. Look for updates from Ethiopia in the coming weeks (and maybe some other commentary in the meantime). For now, a view of the beautiful Simien Mountains.