Apes, among the most intelligent animals on Earth, exhibit complex social behaviors and share a close evolutionary relationship with humans. But what do you call a group of these remarkable creatures? The answer, steeped in linguistic history, is far more intriguing than a simple “troop.”
The Origins of “Shrewdness”
The collective noun for apes is “shrewdness,” a term derived from the Old English word “shrewd,” which once meant “wicked” or “mischievous.” Over time, it evolved to describe intelligence and cunning, making it a surprisingly apt descriptor for apes known for their problem-solving abilities.
This poetic naming convention isn’t unique to apes. Many animal group names originated in the 15th century, documented in texts like Chaucer’s poetry and The Book of Saint Albans. This era favored evocative language, giving us a “murder of crows,” a “pride of lions,” and a “shrewdness of apes.”
Modern Usage vs. Traditional Terminology
While “shrewdness” remains the traditional term, “troop” is often used in modern conversation, particularly when discussing chimpanzees or gorillas. This casual use can overlap with terminology for monkeys, occasionally causing confusion, but is generally accepted in everyday speech.
Other terms like “band” or “family” may also be applied, depending on the species and its social structure. For example, orangutans are typically solitary, while gorillas live in stable family groups led by a dominant male.
Why Collective Nouns Matter
These collective nouns aren’t just linguistic quirks; they reveal how humans perceive the animal world. Some terms describe behavior (“murmuration of starlings,” “stand of flamingos”), others draw from folklore (“unkindness of ravens”), and some simply emerge from creative wordplay.
Consider these examples:
- A business of ferrets
- A bask of crocodiles
- A muster of peacocks
- A colony of ants
- A school of fish
The phrase “a shrewdness of apes” suggests respect for their intelligence, a quality we often recognize in ourselves.
The Intelligence Behind the Name
In the wild, apes form social groups to enhance survival: finding food, protecting against predators, and raising young. These groups display advanced behaviors like grooming, teaching, and cooperation.
Apes exhibit empathy, problem-solving, and even basic language skills, making “shrewdness” an appropriate acknowledgement of their cognitive complexity. While modern scientific discourse favors more utilitarian terms like “herd” or “group,” the traditional language maintains cultural significance.
Ultimately, the term “shrewdness of apes” reminds us that the way we name animals reflects our long-standing fascination with, and often anthropomorphic projections onto, the natural world.
