Chimpanzees can expand their territory by killing neighbors. This behavior gives them some advantages, especially in reproduction.
Researchers found that after killing their neighbors, female chimpanzees had more babies. These babies also had a better chance of surviving the early years of life.
The expansion provided more food, which helped chimpanzee mothers care for their offspring better.
Difficult words
- expand — To increase in size or range.
- territory — An area that an animal controls.
- behavior — The way someone or something acts.
- reproduction — The process of making new life.
- offspring — Children or young of animals.
- surviving — To continue to live after an event.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think territory is important for animals?
- How might this behavior affect chimpanzee groups over time?
- What other animals do you think have similar territorial behaviors?
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