Jane Goodall compares Trump's debate style to male chimpanzee performances

In a story relating to the upcoming debates, The Atlantic explored Donald Trump's approach in the Republican primary debates and factors that contributed to his success.

As part of the piece, the media outlet reached out to various experts who could reflect on the aspects of "intellectual and emotional persuasion."

Among them was the famed anthropologist Jane Goodall who drew comparisons between Trump's debate style and behaviors of some of the male chimpanzees she has observed.

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Goodall told The Atlantic, "In many ways the performances of Donald Trump remind me of male chimpanzees and their dominance rituals...In order to impress rivals, males seeking to rise in the dominance hierarchy perform spectacular displays: stamping, slapping the ground, dragging branches, throwing rocks. The more vigorous and imaginative the display, the faster the individual is likely to rise in the hierarchy, and the longer he is likely to maintain that position."

She recalled one chimp in particular, named Mike, who established his dominance through such tactics. Goodall said that she will be thinking of Mike while watching the debates in the days ahead.

The first one is set to take place on September 26 at Hofstra University.

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