NAKED APE Meaning and
Definition
-
Naked ape is a term often used to describe the human species, Homo sapiens, emphasizing their lack of natural physical attributes such as fur or protective covering, distinguishing them from other primates. The term "naked" metaphorically represents the absence of any natural protection, making humans vulnerable and reliant on their intelligence and adaptability to survive and thrive.
This concept was popularized by British zoologist and ethologist Desmond Morris in his book, "The Naked Ape: A Zoologist's Study of the Human Animal." By comparing humans to other primates, Morris aimed to explore human behavior and characteristics from an evolutionary perspective.
In the context of this term, "ape" refers to the biological family Hominidae, which includes species such as chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and humans. It implies the close evolutionary relationship between humans and other great apes, reinforcing the idea that humans share common ancestry and evolutionary history with these animals.
The phrase "naked ape" portrays humans as unique creatures who have shed their primal, animalistic attributes physically but maintain them behaviorally. Human intelligence, complex social interactions, tool use, and cultural development are emphasized as distinguishing features, setting humans apart from other animals in the animal kingdom.
Overall, naked ape symbolizes the nakedness and vulnerability of the human species and serves as a reminder of the importance of human adaptability and intelligence in surviving and thriving in diverse environments.
Common Misspellings for NAKED APE
- baked ape
- maked ape
- jaked ape
- haked ape
- nzked ape
- nsked ape
- nwked ape
- nqked ape
- najed ape
- named ape
- naled ape
- naoed ape
- naied ape
- nakwd ape
- naksd ape
- nakdd ape
- nakrd ape
- nak4d ape
- nak3d ape
- nakes ape
Etymology of NAKED APE
The term "naked ape" was popularized by British zoologist and ethologist Desmond Morris in his 1967 book "The Naked Ape: A Zoologist's Study of the Human Animal". The etymology of the phrase can be broken down as follows:
1. Naked: The word "naked" originates from the Old English word "nacod", which means "bare" or "having no covering". It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "nakwadaz". The concept of being unclothed or without covering is a fundamental aspect of human nature and was likely a key inspiration for the term.
2. Ape: The word "ape" traces back to Late Old English, where it was spelled "apa", and can be traced even further back to the Old Norse word "api".
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
