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C H I M P F A C T S
What Chimps EatA chimpanzee's diet may consists of almost 200 different plant species and more than 20 types of insects. One day's menu can be up to 13 different items. One study found that a chimpanzee's annual diet averages 68% fruit, 28% leaves and shoots, and 4% insects and small prey. Chimpanzees do not wander aimlessly through the bush hoping to bump into food. They know where they are going and have to remember from year to year where food is located and when a particular fruit is ripe - what scientists call "mental maps." There is growing evidence that in addition to their regular diet, chimpanzees may eat for medicinal value. Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of antibiotics and anti-parasitic properties in plants that chimps consume during the rainy season. Despite continuous availability, the chimpanzees tend to eat these plants when parasitic infections increase. Traditional African healers use many of the same plants to treat parasites, stomach problems, and lack of appetite. So chimpanzees too may be good doctors. » Back | |||||||||||||
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