Evolution, psychopathology, and sexual offending: Aping our ancestors

Abstract

Koko at first appears amused by Mbara's approach. The shameless silverback stares at her before exposing his erect penis, while his human scientist cousins make notes at a furious pace; it is not every day observers are privileged to witness such emotionally charged ape behavior. Perhaps their note-taking distracts Koko. She lumbers off into the brush and Mbara does not pursue. Across the continent, Nambuko, a male bonobo, is chased off by several dominant males when he tries to mount Antemba. After an appropriate period of sulking, Nambuko approaches and mounts Tafet, a juvenile bonobo, inexperienced in these matters. She shrieks and tries to fight him off, surprisingly successfully. The troop's ears are alerted and Tafet's mother, Okapa, and her sister Poke, rush in to protect their offspring. Nambuko sulks again.