In the Shadow of Man

Leakey offered Goodall the role of researcher partly because he wanted someone who didn’t have formal training. Describe Goodall’s approach to her work. How was it similar and different from typical, formal research at the time? Use references to the text to explain your response.

Goodall began her research in early 1960s Tanzania, which was transitioning from being a British colony to an independent nation. Describe the different types of people Goodall had to cooperate with to make her study a success—and her approach to these relationships. Use references to the text to support your response.

Identify three major differences that Goodall identifies between chimps and humans. Why are they significant? Explain in detail, referring to the text.

When Goodall began her study, little was known about chimps’ behavior in the wild. Discuss three of her findings and their impact on our understanding of primates.

Identify three of Goodall’s traits that you believe helped her become successful in her work and why.

Goodall considers chimpanzees unique individuals and claims that they have demonstrable personality differences. How do her descriptions in the text support this claim? Do you find her perspective persuasive? Use references to the text in your response.

Goodall acknowledges that the feeding station at Gombe eventually became problematic. What were the pros and cons of establishing the feeding station and allowing the chimps to come to the research camp? Cite the text in your response.

Throughout the book, Goodall analyzes several parallels between chimps and humans, frequently discussing their similarities. What are they? In your opinion, are her claims well founded? Explain why or why not.