Category: Mammals
These endangered great apes are one of two species making up the genus Pan, the other being the common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). They are native to the Congo Basin in Central Africa and, unfortunately, political instability in this area has resulted in relatively few studies of the Bonobos in their natural habitat. Due to fossil evidence and genetic studies, some evolutionary biologists believe that Bonobos may be living examples of our distant ancestors. Bonobos are known for their matrilineal and relatively peaceful social structure.
The age-defying Brandt’s bat
In most mammals, larger size correlates with longer lifespan, but that is not the case with the Brandt’s bat, who can live up to 41 years and weigh less than 0.28 ounces! These bats resemble larger, longer-lived mammals in that they mature slowly and have fewer offspring – but the size difference is dramatic: a female Bonobo lives for approximately 40 years as well, but she outweighs the Brandt’s bat by a factor of 3,771! Oddly enough, it is suspected that the mutated gene that causes the bat’s dwarfish size is the same one that leads to its long lifespan. Studying animals with unusual longevity like the Brandt’s bat does more than just satisfy our curiosity, it could lead to longer, healthier lifespans for humans and other animals!
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
