ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Curiosity Stream The Snake Test | Rescued Chimpanzees Of The Congo
Life on the island is pretty normal for the group of chimpanzees that have been released there. It’s feeding time, and their caregiver, Alland Far Delgoma, uses this chance to watch for any changes in how the chimps behave or who is in charge. Among the dominant males, Tavish is one of them, but he’s not at the top. Above him are Matambo, Chabanga, and the leader, Kafan. Tavish is a friendly chimp, but is that enough to make it in the wild?
To find out, Tavish is the first chimp to take the snake test. This test is important because it helps determine if a chimpanzee can handle unexpected dangers in the wild. When a chimp encounters something that looks like a dangerous snake, their reaction is observed. If a chimp doesn’t know how to react to threats like poisonous snakes or the sound of a leopard, their curiosity could get them into trouble.
Chimps have a lot to learn to survive in the wild. When they see a snake, they usually make a special alarm call to warn others and then move away. The snake test checks if Tavish still has this instinct after spending years in captivity. Chimps use different alarm calls depending on the threat. A loud alarm call is for when they sense a leopard might attack, while a quieter call is used for other dangers.
For the test, they need a snake, but a real venomous one isn’t safe. So, Rebecca, who is very resourceful, makes a fake snake out of rubber. She attaches it to a thin line hidden under leaves by the shore. From a boat, Rebecca will pull the line to make the snake move. If Tavish sees the snake, moves away, and makes the quiet alarm call, he passes the test.
Everyone gets ready, and Tavish is called to the area. When he arrives, Rebecca pulls the line, and the snake moves. Tavish sees it and makes the quiet alarm call. He lifts his head to see the snake, and Rebecca pulls it into the water. Tavish makes sounds to alert the others about the snake. This was the best reaction—perfect!
Through this test, Tavish shows he still has the instincts needed to survive in the wild. It’s a great sign that he can handle unexpected dangers, which is crucial for his life on the island.
Imagine you are a chimpanzee like Tavish. Create a short skit with your classmates where you encounter a “snake” (use a rope or a toy snake). Practice making alarm calls and moving away safely. Discuss how this activity helps you understand the importance of instincts in the wild.
Create a survival guide for chimpanzees that includes tips on how to react to different threats in the wild. Use drawings and short descriptions to illustrate alarm calls and other survival strategies. Share your guide with the class and explain why each tip is important.
Work in groups to build a model of the island habitat where the chimpanzees live. Use materials like clay, paper, and natural items to create trees, water sources, and hiding spots. Present your model to the class and explain how each feature helps the chimps survive.
Create a quiz with questions about chimpanzee instincts and behaviors, such as alarm calls and reactions to threats. Exchange quizzes with a partner and see how well you understand the material. Discuss any surprising facts you learned about chimpanzee behavior.
Write a diary entry from Tavish’s perspective after taking the snake test. Describe his feelings and thoughts about the test and his life on the island. Share your entry with the class and discuss how this exercise helps you empathize with the chimpanzees’ experiences.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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Island life carries on as normal for the release group. It’s feeding time, and the caregiver, Alland Far Delgoma, uses the opportunity to keep an eye on any changes in behavior or hierarchy, particularly among dominant males like Tavish. In the hierarchy, Tavish is currently below Matambo, Chabanga, and leader Kafan. He’s a friendly chimp, but is that enough to survive in the wild?
To find out, Tavish is the first of the chimps to undergo the snake test. In the snake test, a chimpanzee is unexpectedly presented with what appears to be a dangerous snake to see how they react. If you put a chimp out into the wild without the skills to understand the dangers they may face, such as how to react when encountering a poisonous snake or hearing the call of a leopard, curiosity could be harmful.
There’s a lot for them to learn in the wild. When a chimp sees a snake, they’ll usually give an alarm call to warn others and then retreat. The test is designed to find out if Tavish’s years in captivity have affected that instinct. There’s a specific type of alarm call that chimps use in this situation. Loud alarm calls are thought to be used when chimps sense an imminent attack from a leopard, while a quiet alarm call is common for other threats.
They need a suitable snake for the test. A venomous snake is not an option, so resourceful Rebecca makes a fake one. The rubber snake is attached to a thin line buried under leaves on the shore. Rebecca will pull the line from the boat, which will move the snake. When Tavish sees it, if he moves away and makes the quiet alarm call, he passes the test.
Everyone’s in position, and Tavish is called to the area. When he arrives, Rebecca tugs the line and moves the snake. He sees the snake and makes the quiet alarm call. In that moment, he raised his head to see the snake, and Rebecca pulled the snake into the water. He vocalized to alert others that the snake was there. That was the best reaction—perfect!
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This version removes any informal language and maintains a professional tone while conveying the same information.
Chimpanzee – A type of large ape that is closely related to humans and is known for its intelligence and social behavior. – Chimpanzees use tools like sticks to help them find food in the forest.
Instinct – A natural way of behaving or thinking that is not learned but is present from birth. – Birds have an instinct to build nests to protect their eggs.
Alarm – A sudden feeling of fear or worry that something dangerous or unpleasant might happen. – The loud noise from the fire alarm caused the students to quickly leave the building.
Survive – To continue to live or exist, especially in difficult conditions. – Many animals have special adaptations that help them survive in the wild.
Danger – The possibility of something harmful or unpleasant happening. – The bright colors of some frogs warn predators of the danger of eating them.
Test – An examination or experiment to discover something unknown or to check the quality of something. – Scientists conducted a test to see how plants grow in different types of soil.
Reaction – A response to something that happens, often showing how a person or animal feels about it. – The cat’s quick reaction to the sudden noise showed it was startled.
Wild – Living or growing in natural conditions, not controlled by humans. – Wild animals like lions and elephants can be found in the savannas of Africa.
Snake – A long, legless reptile that moves by slithering and can be found in various environments. – The snake slithered silently through the grass, searching for food.
Behavior – The way in which an animal or person acts in response to a particular situation or stimulus. – The behavior of wolves in a pack shows how they communicate and work together.
