Chimpanzees, much like humans, have unique physical characteristics and personalities that set
them apart from one another. When Dr. Jane first began observing chimps at Gombe, the concept of individuality in nonhuman
animals was not well-received by other scientists. But Dr. Goodall and other researchers have accumulated a series of life
histories which give a glimpse into individual chimp's genetics and life stories. Knowing an individual's past experiences helps
Dr. Jane to understand behavior that would otherwise be puzzling.
