Social Skills:
* Grooming: This is essential for maintaining social bonds and hygiene. Mothers teach their young how to groom themselves and others, using specific techniques and gestures.
* Communication: Chimps use a variety of vocalizations, facial expressions, and gestures to communicate. Mothers teach their young the meaning of these signals and how to use them appropriately.
* Social Hierarchy: Chimps live in complex social groups with established dominance hierarchies. Mothers teach their young how to navigate these hierarchies and interact with different individuals.
* Cooperation: Chimps often work together to achieve goals, such as finding food or defending themselves. Mothers teach their young the importance of cooperation and how to contribute to the group effort.
Survival Skills:
* Foraging: Mothers teach their young how to identify edible plants and fruits, how to use tools to access food, and how to avoid dangerous foods.
* Nest Building: Chimps build nests each night for sleeping. Mothers teach their young how to build safe and comfortable nests.
* Predator Avoidance: Mothers teach their young how to recognize and avoid predators. They also teach them how to react in case of a predator encounter, such as giving alarm calls.
* Tool Use: Chimps use a variety of tools for different purposes, such as sticks for fishing termites or stones for cracking nuts. Mothers teach their young how to use these tools effectively.
Other Important Lessons:
* Emotional Regulation: Mothers teach their young how to regulate their emotions and respond appropriately to different situations.
* Problem Solving: Mothers help their young develop problem-solving skills through observation and participation in various activities.
* Independence: While mothers provide a lot of care and guidance, they also encourage their young to become independent and explore their surroundings.
It's important to note that these are just some of the things a mother chimp teaches her young. The specific skills and knowledge taught will vary depending on the individual mother, her social group, and the environment they live in.