ABSTRACT
The Ache study contributes to life history theory in an exploratory rather than a definitive manner. Very few previous studies of human demographic patterns have been carried out within a life history framework. The dangers of such complications are well illustrated by the famous Libben site in North America, which suggested a mortality curve much more like apes than modern humans for a recent Native American population. Human life history varies considerably from that of common chimpanzees. Humans live longer, are larger, begin reproduction at later ages, and develop more slowly during childhood than chimpanzees. Comparisons between humans and orangutans are difficult because so little is known about orangutan life history. Humans also show exceptionally long periods of juvenile dependence that are again subsidized by male economic contributions. This chapter presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book.
