Humans remember, recall and recognize faces more than any other physical characteristic. It's no wonder that police ask victims or eye witnesses, "What did he look like?" "Could you recognize her?" or "How would you describe them?"

When anthropologist Jane Goodall decided to live with the chimpanzees in their natural surroundings, people were amazed that she was able to recognize one from another. She reported that their facial features were as unique and novel as those of humans and thus, she was able to recognize Flint, Goliath, Passion, Frodo and Fifi from each other. It was also obvious, based on observing the chimps, that they were able to identify each other from their facial features.

Chimps are our closest cousins in the animal kingdom, sharing nearly 99% of our DNA. Beyond our genetic makeup, we share several other traits with the chimps. Chimpanzees laugh when tickled. Like us, the first five years of chimp’s life are spent playing, socializing and developing a strong infant-mother bond. While our brains are larger, it is structurally identical to a chimpanzee’s. According to writer Anna Muir, “They are capable of reasoned thought, abstraction and generalization. They can even recognize themselves in a mirror – most other animals cannot!” Their bodies are very similar to ours, sharing the same bones, muscles, nervous system and the same number of fingers and toes. Chimps are taught to share their food and tools. They kiss, hug, pat each other on the back, hold hands and shake their fists. Chimps demonstrate a range of emotions including joy, sadness, fear and even empathy. The human fascination with chimpanzees has historically been framed in terms of how good chimps are at doing things we humans do.

Watching chimps swing from three limbs reminds us that there are things they can do that we can't. Until recently, there was one trait that we never considered as unique to chimps that somehow has escaped our skills and abilities; and that is their ability to recognize one chimp from another by their butts.

According to researcher Mariska Kret, "It is important for social animals to be able to recognize one another quickly. Humans are able to recognize each other immediately from their faces. Faces are also important for chimpanzees, but we now know that (at least with chimps) buttocks also play a role."

The chimps appear to be able to recognize rear ends as efficiently as we process faces.

In something called the “inversion effect” our abilities to recognize features are reduced when the images of faces are turned upside down. Chimps, as well as humans, are prone to this diminished recognition… except in the case of the backside. Much of this is attributed to the evolutionary changes to the physical features of butts when we began walking upright. According to the study, it was determined that bottoms and faces “are both symmetrical; and interpreting what about a butt is saying is crucial to chimpanzees’ reproductive success, just as interpreting facial messaging is important to human mating.”

"Parents of children with special needs recognize many things about them that may elude others."

Parents of children with special needs recognize many things about their children that may elude others. They can recognize the significance of a smile, a whimper, a whisper and a sigh. They can recognize signs of joy, frustration, elation, fear and pleasure.

They also subscribe to the suggestion of Serbian philosopher Dejan Stojanovic, “For a moment at least, be a smile on someone else’s face.”

Somehow, it’s just not the same, listening to Cole’s “Unforgettable.” Sometimes, reading research can do those things.•

ANCORA IMPARO

In his 87th year, the artist Michelangelo (1475 -1564) is believed to have said "Ancora imparo" (I am still learning). Hence, the name for my monthly observations and comments. – Rick Rader, MD, Editor-in-Chief, EP Magazine Director, Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center Orange Grove Center, Chattanooga, TN

EP MAGAZINE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AS AN INDISPENSABLE RESOURCE FOR THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY

First published in 1971, EP Magazine is set to continue its legacy of excellence in reporting, advocating and innovating for people with special needs, their caretakers and their loved ones.

EP FOR FREE! SUBSCRIBE TODAY AT EPMAGAZINE.COM

EP's 50th year began with the 2021 EP GUIDE to Navigating Special Needs Resources. Visit epmagazine.com/subscribe and don't miss an issue! Connect, Share and Discover with EP facebook.com/exceptionalparentmag