I'm not sure this will EXACTLY help you but here are 10 common traits between humans and baboons :
Ancient egyptians venerated baboons, and regarded them as gods in some cultures, the word "baboon" can be a derogatory term for "ugly
man". But baboons are considered the primates that are closely related
to us in their stress inducing environment. Stress researcher Robert
Sapolsky believes they are so similar to humans because they have almost
no natural predators and hence the majority of their stress derives
from their social functioning. From his researches made on Kenyan
baboons, we deduce 10 similarities between humans and our distant
cousin.
1. Low hierarchy individuals suffer of the most
elevated levels of physical and psychological stress, manifested by high
blood pressure, suppression of immune system, and high levels of the
stress hormones (like cortisol). Does this remind you of the new young
workmate?
2. It is also important for the baboons to make the
difference between a real menace (like a rival defying it) and a neutral
factor (like one baboon sleeping on an upper branch). Those that see
all situations as possible dangers and threats finish by getting ill.
Such is the case of neurotic people, isn't it? Controlling the violence
means less stress and better health.
3. The most sociable baboons are the most healthy
and the ones with the lowest stress levels. Sociability means better
health for baboons and humans too. Since their birth, baboons build up
social and affective links, which are strong and long-lasting.
4. Baboons have a powerful tendency towards aggression and competition.
5. These primates have the tendency to take
different decisions depending on whether they think emotionally or
rationally. The humans differ only in the fact that they can extend all
beyond the immediate situation and environment. We can be aggressive or
altruist to somebody on the other edge of the planet.
6. Baboons manifest friendship, envy, wickedness.
7. Each individual develops his own unique personality, based on its own genetics and early personal history and infancy.
8. Baboons have a way of thinking, and a particular
behavior; they commit much more errors if decisions are made on
instincts. But they find it hard to control themselves and postpone the
reward. This human ability could be linked to the higher development of
the frontal cortex, the brain region involved in the autocontrol. Even
if baboons think and decide, they act in a uninhibited and unwary
manner.
9. Baboons can make the difference between different
people. They recognize Maasai people from the others, due to their red
clothing. They dread the Maasai, as their dogs hunt the baboons and some
Maasai children use the baboons as target for practicing spear
throwing.
10. Baboons make politics. Hierarchy is established
by power, size and sharpness of the fangs, weight, muscle mass, but also
by aggressiveness, the ability to form alliances, or to know when to
stab a companion from behind. Except the fangs, the other issues seem
familiar... The factors are determined by biology (like the fangs or the
size), others by the environment and personality.
