Recent observations in Uganda have revealed that wild chimpanzees are utilizing medicinal plants for self-treatment of injuries. Researchers from the University of Oxford, in collaboration with a local team in the Budongo Forest, documented instances of these primates applying plants as a form of first aid. This research builds upon previous findings that chimpanzees actively seek out specific plants to self-medicate. By compiling decades of observations, the scientists have created a comprehensive catalogue detailing the various methods through which chimpanzees engage in what can be termed “forest first aid.”

The study, published in the journal *Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution*, contributes to the growing body of evidence indicating that primates, including chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas, employ natural remedies to maintain their health in the wild. Lead researcher Elodie Freymann emphasized that chimpanzees exhibit a range of behaviors when they are sick or injured, which includes self-treatment and hygiene maintenance. For instance, chimpanzees have been observed dabbing plants onto their wounds or chewing them before applying the resulting paste to their injuries.

One particularly noteworthy observation involved a young female chimpanzee who was seen chewing plant material and applying it to a wound on her mother. Additionally, the researchers documented instances where chimpanzees cared for the injuries of unrelated individuals, suggesting a capacity for empathy among these animals. Such findings are significant as they highlight the social and emotional complexities of chimpanzee behavior.

The researchers also drew upon a wealth of anecdotal evidence collected over decades at a field station in the Budongo Forest. This logbook contains detailed accounts from local field staff, researchers, and visitors, documenting various behaviors observed in chimpanzees. Some entries describe instances of chimps using leaves to dab injuries or assisting others in removing snares. Remarkably, one note even details a chimpanzee using leaves for personal hygiene after defecating, showcasing behaviors that resemble human habits.

In addition to documenting these behaviors, the research team has identified specific plants that chimpanzees consume when injured and discovered that many of these plants possess antibacterial properties. This knowledge not only enhances our understanding of chimpanzee behavior but may also contribute to the discovery of new medicinal compounds. Dr. Freymann remarked on the profound insights gained from studying these wild apes, suggesting that there is much we still do not understand about the natural world and the survival strategies employed by chimpanzees in their environment.

Original news source: Wild chimpanzees filmed using forest ‘first aid’ (BBC)

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into small teams. Each team will take turns acting out different scenarios based on the behaviors of chimpanzees described in the article (e.g., applying medicinal plants, caring for another chimp’s injury) without using words. The other teams will guess what scenario is being portrayed.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Pose the question, “Do you think animals, like chimpanzees, should be studied for their use of medicinal plants?” Students will walk around the room and ask their classmates for their opinions, tallying responses. Afterward, discuss the varied perspectives as a class.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: On a whiteboard or large paper, create a mind map as a class. Start with the central theme “Chimpanzee Self-Medication” and branch out with ideas from the article, such as behaviors, empathy, specific plants, and implications for human medicine. Encourage students to contribute their thoughts and connections.

– SYNONYM CHALLENGE
Instructions: Write down key vocabulary words from the article (e.g., “self-treatment,” “antibacterial,” “empathy”). In pairs, students will come up with synonyms for each word. Afterward, groups will share their synonyms and discuss any nuances in meaning.

– NEWS REPORTER ROLE-PLAY
Instructions: In pairs, one student will act as a news reporter and the other as a researcher from the article. The reporter will interview the researcher about the findings on chimpanzee behavior and self-medication. After a few minutes, students will switch roles, allowing everyone to practice speaking and questioning skills.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What specific behaviors do chimpanzees exhibit when they are sick or injured, according to the research findings?
2. How did the researchers compile their observations of chimpanzee behavior in the Budongo Forest?
3. What significant observation was made regarding a young female chimpanzee and her actions towards her mother?
4. In what ways do the documented behaviors of chimpanzees challenge our understanding of their social and emotional complexities?
5. What types of evidence did the researchers utilize to support their findings about chimpanzee self-medication?
6. How do the identified plants that chimpanzees consume relate to their health, based on the research?
7. What implications does this study have for our understanding of natural remedies and potential medicinal compounds?
8. What does Dr. Freymann suggest about the insights gained from studying wild chimpanzees and their survival strategies?
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🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Recent (1)______ in Uganda have revealed that wild chimpanzees are utilizing medicinal plants for self-treatment of injuries. Researchers from the University of Oxford, in collaboration with a local team in the Budongo Forest, (2)______ instances of these primates applying plants as a form of first aid. This research builds upon previous findings that chimpanzees actively seek out specific plants to self-medicate. By compiling (3)______ of observations, the scientists have created a comprehensive catalogue detailing the various methods through which chimpanzees (4)______ in what can be termed “forest first aid.”

The study, published in the journal *Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution*, contributes to the growing body of evidence indicating that primates, including chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas, employ natural (5)______ to maintain their health in the wild. Lead researcher Elodie Freymann emphasized that chimpanzees exhibit a range of behaviors when they are sick or injured, which includes self-treatment and hygiene maintenance. For (6)______, chimpanzees have been observed dabbing plants onto their wounds or chewing them before (7)______ the resulting (8)______ to their injuries.

One particularly noteworthy observation involved a young female chimpanzee who was seen chewing plant material and applying it to a wound on her mother. Additionally, the researchers documented instances where (9)______s cared for the injuries of unrelated individuals, suggesting a capacity for empathy among these animals. Such findings are significant as they highlight the social and (10)______ complexities of chimpanzee behavior.

The researchers also drew upon a wealth of anecdotal (11)______ collected over decades at a field station in the Budongo Forest. This logbook contains detailed accounts from local field staff, researchers, and visitors, documenting various (12)______ observed in chimpanzees. Some entries describe instances of chimps using leaves to dab injuries or assisting others in removing snares. Remarkably, one note even details a chimpanzee using leaves for personal (13)______ after defecating, showcasing behaviors that resemble human habits.

In addition to documenting these behaviors, the (14)______ team has identified specific plants that chimpanzees consume when injured and discovered that many of these plants possess antibacterial properties. This knowledge not only enhances our understanding of chimpanzee behavior but may also contribute to the discovery of new medicinal (15)______. Dr. Freymann remarked on the profound insights gained from studying these wild apes, suggesting that there is much we still do not understand about the natural world and the survival strategies (16)______ by chimpanzees in their environment.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the idea that animals, like chimpanzees, can use plants for self-medication?

2. How would you feel if you witnessed an animal using natural remedies to treat its injuries?

3. Do you think humans could learn something from observing animal behavior in nature? Why or why not?

4. What is a natural remedy that you or someone you know has used for health issues?

5. How do you think the ability to self-medicate impacts the survival of wild animals?

6. Do you like the idea of using traditional medicine instead of modern medicine? Why or why not?

7. How would you feel if you discovered that a close relative was caring for someone else’s injuries, similar to the chimpanzees in the article?

8. Do you think empathy is a trait unique to humans, or do you believe it exists in other species as well? Why?

9. What is a significant lesson you think humans can learn from studying the behavior of chimpanzees?

10. How would you react if you saw someone using a plant as a remedy in your community?

11. Do you think it is important to preserve natural habitats like the Budongo Forest for the sake of wildlife? Why?

12. How would you feel if you were able to identify a plant that could help with a common health issue?

13. Do you think more research should be conducted on animal behavior and their use of natural remedies? Why or why not?

14. What is a way in which you think society could benefit from understanding animal behavior better?

15. How do you think the findings from this research could influence the future of medicine or health practices?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. observations
2. collaboration
3. primates
4. comprehensive
5. catalogue
6. remedies
7. hygiene
8. noteworthy
9. empathy
10. anecdotal
11. logbook
12. antibacterial
13. compounds
14. insights
15. strategies

Meanings:
(A) Capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of bacteria
(B) Treatments or cures for diseases or injuries
(C) Deserving attention or notice; significant
(D) Plans or methods developed to achieve a specific goal or outcome
(E) A group of mammals that includes humans, apes, and monkeys
(F) Practices related to maintaining cleanliness and health
(G) The ability to understand and share the feelings of others
(H) Substances formed by the combination of two or more elements
(I) The act of watching something carefully in order to gain information
(J) A systematic list or record of items
(K) Based on personal accounts rather than scientific data
(L) Deep understanding or awareness of a complex situation
(M) Working together with others to achieve a common goal
(N) Thorough and complete, covering all or nearly all elements
(O) A book in which records of events or observations are kept
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What recent discovery was made about wild chimpanzees in Uganda?
(a) They build complex tools for hunting.
(b) They use medicinal plants for self-treatment of injuries.
(c) They have developed a new form of communication.
(d) They migrate to different regions for food.

2. Which institution conducted the research on chimpanzees’ use of medicinal plants?
(a) Harvard University
(b) Stanford University
(c) University of Cambridge
(d) University of Oxford

3. What journal published the study on chimpanzees and their self-medication behaviors?
(a) Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
(b) Nature
(c) Science
(d) Journal of Primatology

4. What behavior did researchers observe in chimpanzees when they were sick or injured?
(a) Self-treatment and hygiene maintenance
(b) Increased social interaction
(c) Aggressive behavior towards others
(d) Isolation from the group

5. What was one notable observation involving a young female chimpanzee?
(a) She built a nest for her siblings.
(b) She taught younger chimps how to find food.
(c) She led the group to a new territory.
(d) She chewed plant material and applied it to a wound on her mother.

6. What did the researchers find about the plants used by chimpanzees for self-medication?
(a) They are all toxic to humans.
(b) They are primarily found in urban areas.
(c) Many possess antibacterial properties.
(d) They have no known medicinal benefits.

7. What does the research suggest about the social behavior of chimpanzees?
(a) They are solely focused on their own survival.
(b) They do not interact with other species.
(c) They exhibit empathy by caring for unrelated individuals.
(d) They avoid contact with other chimpanzee groups.

8. How did the researchers gather evidence for their study on chimpanzee behavior?
(a) Through laboratory experiments.
(b) By compiling decades of anecdotal observations.
(c) By analyzing genetic material.
(d) By conducting interviews with local residents.

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The research highlights instances of chimpanzees caring for the injuries of unrelated individuals, indicating their capacity for empathy.
2. Chimpanzees have been seen applying plants to their wounds or creating a paste from chewed plant material for treatment.
3. The researchers identified specific plants consumed by chimpanzees that possess antibacterial properties, which could lead to the discovery of new medicinal compounds.
4. The study recorded different approaches through which chimpanzees engage in self-healing.
5. Some documented behaviors include chimpanzees using leaves for personal hygiene after defecating.
6. Wild chimpanzees in Uganda have been observed using medicinal plants for self-care of injuries.
7. The study collected empirical evidence from years of observations at a field station in the Budongo Forest.
8. Researchers from the University of Oxford worked independently in the Budongo Forest for this study.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What specific behaviors do chimpanzees exhibit when they are sick or injured, according to the research findings?
2. How does the research conducted in Uganda contribute to our understanding of primate self-medication?
3. What implications do the documented behaviors of chimpanzees have for our understanding of empathy in non-human animals?
4. In what ways might the study of chimpanzees’ use of medicinal plants lead to the discovery of new medicinal compounds?
5. How do the observations recorded in the logbook from the Budongo Forest enhance the validity of the researchers’ findings?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What specific behaviors do chimpanzees exhibit when they are sick or injured, according to the research findings?
Chimpanzees exhibit a range of behaviors including self-treatment, hygiene maintenance, dabbing plants onto their wounds, and chewing plants to apply the resulting paste to their injuries.

2. How did the researchers compile their observations of chimpanzee behavior in the Budongo Forest?
The researchers compiled their observations by drawing upon decades of anecdotal evidence collected at a field station in the Budongo Forest, which included detailed accounts from local field staff, researchers, and visitors.

3. What significant observation was made regarding a young female chimpanzee and her actions towards her mother?
A noteworthy observation involved a young female chimpanzee who was seen chewing plant material and applying it to a wound on her mother, demonstrating care and concern.

4. In what ways do the documented behaviors of chimpanzees challenge our understanding of their social and emotional complexities?
The documented behaviors, such as caring for the injuries of unrelated individuals and exhibiting empathy, highlight the social and emotional complexities of chimpanzee behavior, suggesting they possess a deeper understanding of social bonds.

5. What types of evidence did the researchers utilize to support their findings about chimpanzee self-medication?
The researchers utilized anecdotal evidence from a logbook containing detailed accounts of chimpanzee behaviors observed over decades, as well as direct observations of specific self-medication practices.

6. How do the identified plants that chimpanzees consume relate to their health, based on the research?
Many of the identified plants that chimpanzees consume possess antibacterial properties, which suggests they may help in healing injuries and maintaining their health.

7. What implications does this study have for our understanding of natural remedies and potential medicinal compounds?
The study implies that understanding chimpanzee self-medication practices could contribute to the discovery of new medicinal compounds and enhance our knowledge of natural remedies.

8. What does Dr. Freymann suggest about the insights gained from studying wild chimpanzees and their survival strategies?
Dr. Freymann suggests that there are profound insights to be gained from studying wild chimpanzees, indicating that much remains to be understood about their survival strategies and the natural world.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) observations
(2) documented
(3) decades
(4) engage
(5) remedies
(6) instance
(7) applying
(8) paste
(9) chimpanzee
(10) emotional
(11) evidence
(12) behaviors
(13) hygiene
(14) research
(15) compounds
(16) employed
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. observations
Answer: (I) The act of watching something carefully in order to gain information

2. collaboration
Answer: (M) Working together with others to achieve a common goal

3. primates
Answer: (E) A group of mammals that includes humans, apes, and monkeys

4. comprehensive
Answer: (N) Thorough and complete, covering all or nearly all elements

5. catalogue
Answer: (J) A systematic list or record of items

6. remedies
Answer: (B) Treatments or cures for diseases or injuries

7. hygiene
Answer: (F) Practices related to maintaining cleanliness and health

8. noteworthy
Answer: (C) Deserving attention or notice; significant

9. empathy
Answer: (G) The ability to understand and share the feelings of others

10. anecdotal
Answer: (K) Based on personal accounts rather than scientific data

11. logbook
Answer: (O) A book in which records of events or observations are kept

12. antibacterial
Answer: (A) Capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of bacteria

13. compounds
Answer: (H) Substances formed by the combination of two or more elements

14. insights
Answer: (L) Deep understanding or awareness of a complex situation

15. strategies
Answer: (D) Plans or methods developed to achieve a specific goal or outcome
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What recent discovery was made about wild chimpanzees in Uganda?
Answer: (b) They use medicinal plants for self-treatment of injuries.

2. Which institution conducted the research on chimpanzees’ use of medicinal plants?
Answer: (d) University of Oxford

3. What journal published the study on chimpanzees and their self-medication behaviors?
Answer: (a) Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution

4. What behavior did researchers observe in chimpanzees when they were sick or injured?
Answer: (a) Self-treatment and hygiene maintenance

5. What was one notable observation involving a young female chimpanzee?
Answer: (d) She chewed plant material and applied it to a wound on her mother.

6. What did the researchers find about the plants used by chimpanzees for self-medication?
Answer: (c) Many possess antibacterial properties.

7. What does the research suggest about the social behavior of chimpanzees?
Answer: (c) They exhibit empathy by caring for unrelated individuals.

8. How did the researchers gather evidence for their study on chimpanzee behavior?
Answer: (b) By compiling decades of anecdotal observations.
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The research highlights instances of chimpanzees caring for the injuries of unrelated individuals, indicating their capacity for empathy. (Answer: True)
2. Chimpanzees have been seen applying plants to their wounds or creating a paste from chewed plant material for treatment. (Answer: True)
3. The researchers identified specific plants consumed by chimpanzees that possess antibacterial properties, which could lead to the discovery of new medicinal compounds. (Answer: True)
4. The study recorded different approaches through which chimpanzees engage in self-healing. (Answer: False)
5. Some documented behaviors include chimpanzees using leaves for personal hygiene after defecating. (Answer: True)
6. Wild chimpanzees in Uganda have been observed using medicinal plants for self-care of injuries. (Answer: False)
7. The study collected empirical evidence from years of observations at a field station in the Budongo Forest. (Answer: False)
8. Researchers from the University of Oxford worked independently in the Budongo Forest for this study. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧