Cognitive development and mothering in humans: reconsideration from the perspective of diversity among great apes

Abstract

Great apes (seven species of three genera) and humans are categorized as Hominidae, based on their genetic closeness. Thus, comparative studies on great apes provide useful insights to understand the evolutionary origin of human nature. Although great apes differ greatly in terms of their behaviors and social structures, the mother-infant relationship is fundamental to the survival of offspring and support its cognitive development among Hominidae in general. In this review, I will report the diversity among great apes and will highlight the features of human mothering illuminated by the species comparison. Mothering has been supported by other social factors and relationships, but the modern human society often puts too much emphasis on the mother who is isolated from other members of the community.