Monkeys and racism

Researchers have found evidence of racist behavior in monkeys. Monkeys seem to show the same negative reactions to outsiders that humans do which may mean that there is an evolutionary basis for prejudice. The scientists say that human prejudice evolved as a function of group living. Joining together in groups allowed humans to gain access to resources necessary for survival including food, water, and shelter. Groups also offered numerous advantages, such as making it easier to find a mate, care for children, and receive protection from others. However, group living also made us more wary of outsiders who could potentially harm the group by spreading disease, killing or hurting individuals, or stealing precious resources. To protect ourselves, we developed ways of identifying who belongs to our group and who doesn’t.