Humans have intricate social structures, which have allowed large populations to exist without constant warfare. Reciprocal altruism may have lead to cooperation amongst non-family members helping to create large societies were one can depend on another. Animals too create social bonds to form societies similar to that of humans. Wade explains similarities found in humans sociality and animals, but he states “…all human societies support institutions not found in the chimp repertoire. These include property rights…” (Wade, 141). Most animals defend their territorial rights the same way humans protect their homes and property.
W. H. Burt published an article in the Journal of Mammalogy showing that property ownership is a trait not only found in humans but also animals. “In fact, it may be held that the recognition of territorial rights, one of the most significant attributes of civilization, was not evolved by man, but has ever been an inherent factor in the life history of all animals” (Burt, 346). Many observations show that animals, reptiles and even invertebrates posses a type of territorial behavior that is common to humans. Observations of beavers that live in close proximity to each other still show signs of ownership; “…it is more than probable that each family knew its own, and always entered at their own door without having any further connection with their neighbors…” (Burt, 347-348)
Dogs are a good example of animals that show property rights. Humans protect their homes from unwanted intruders just as dogs would do. Primates show strong signs of property rights; any intruder entering a group or individuals land is subject violent retaliation. All primates possess ownership traits. Civilized societies and the humans within them still possess the same underlying behaviors apparent in most animal groups. Environmental pressures and sendentism redefined human evolution, spurring sociality to new levels different from all other beings. Yet social structures can be seen in many species and humans were not the first creatures to create social institutions.
References
Wade, Nicholas. Before The Dawn.
