Jane Goodall In The Gombe Stream National Park

Evolution, in common terms, is descent through genetic inheritance, with change in physical and biological characteristics. Evolutionary theory attempts to explain why we see so many species in world that seem so diverse and yet, have enough similarities that imply a common origin. There are various mechanisms by which evolution occurs, including natural selection, artificial selection, gene drift, etc., but in the end, evolution is process by which every single species that exists today, was derived from the last universal ancestor. This perpetual system of change and advancement, shapes the both the biotic and abiotic aspects of the environment, and results in the creation and advancement of the complex communities that inhabit the biosphere.

In almost every community, populations grow, but the amount of resources remain constant. There comes a point at which the population is at the maximum level that’s supported by the resources of the region. The population size at the point is called the Carrying Capacity of the place. When a community reaches the carrying capacity of a region or are challenged by other factors, like reproductive stagnation or a skewed sex ratio, they must employ certain tactics, like cooperation and competition, to survive. A prominent example of a community that shows both cooperation and competition, is the community of chimps observed by Jane Goodall in the Gombe Stream National Park. High levels of male competition were observed at Gombe, following directly from the low reproductive rates of the females, which gave birth only every 5-6years (Mitani 216). As a result of this, the number of reproductively active males dwarf that of reproductive females at any time. This results in the males competing to achieve dominance, as in the male hierarchy of chimps, the alpha male sires about 30-50% of the infants(216). However, only competition isn’t enough to preserve the community. There are scenarios in which same male chimps also cooperate to benefit themselves and the society. For example, if there’s a dispute between two males, a third might intervene, and then might form a coalition (217). This has more reasons behind it than just altruistic ones. Coalitionary support is more often than not, an important variable in rising to alpha status, which comes with high rank and in turn, benefits. Thus, by forming coalitions, the chimps increase their chances of rising up the hierarchy. In doing so, they also influence the community and the environment they’re living