The chimpanzee mother nurses her infant for four to five years. The growing chimpanzee child then spends a prolonged childhood, until age ten or eleven, living with his or her family. Wild chimpanzees make and use a variety of tools for gathering and preparing food. For example, the chimpanzees of West Africa practice a stone tool culture. Their hammers and anvils, used to crack hard nuts, are similar to the tools of our own hominid ancestors.
Chimpanzees seek out and use certain plants medicinally, to treat symptoms of various illnesses.
Scientists following chimpanzees in the rainforest have been led to a variety of formerly unknown plant species that have pharmaceutical uses ranging from antibiotics to antiviral agents. Chimps are also very expressive and have been taught to use sign language and other methods of communication. Found in West and Central Africa, these lively primates live in large communities of 20 to more than 100, which are often divided into smaller social groups, not unlike a human community. Once plentiful in Africa, chimps have recently been added to the list of endangered species. Innovative, Cutting-Edge Products and Services, offering Logic, Common Sense, and Economic Advantage to the Business Professional and Telecommuter.