Effects of Jane's Discoveries
Dr. Goodall's discoveries changed the way other primatologists viewed chimpanzees and how they conducted their studies on chimps. Louis Leakey, famous paleontologist and archaeologist, chose Goodall as one of three female primatologists to support in their research. After Jane's major discoveries about the diet and tool use of chimpanzees, Leakey was ecstatic and provided her with further funding in her studies. He also arranged for Jane to enroll in Cambridge University as a doctoral student, which she graduated from in 1964.
"...I sometimes despaired that our money would run out before the chimpanzees lost their fear of the strange white ape who had invaded their forest world- and that would be the end." Dr. Jane Goodall- English ethologist & zoologist (1934-) |
Dr. Jane Goodall defied scientific convention by giving the Gombe chimpanzees names instead of numbers in her research. This surprising new technique that Jane used to identify her research subjects was unheard of at the time, proving she was a pioneer in primatology even in seemingly minor ways. Goodall’s groundbreaking work became the foundation for chimpanzee research and dramatically changed the general studying of animals. As a result, scientists and researchers in many other fields still continue to carry out important analyses related to chimpanzee behavior and make new discoveries.
When Dr. Goodall wrote about her findings to Louis Leakey, he replied with a now famous quote:
“Now we must redefine ‘man,’ redefine ‘tool’ or accept chimpanzees as humans.” Louis Leakey- Paleoanthropologist & archeologist (1903-1972) |