Chimpanzees and bonobos are physically almost indistinguishable, other than a small difference in size (chimps tend to be a bit bigger). Where they do differ significantly, however, is in their behaviour, most obviously in the way their societies are structured: chimpanzee groups are patriarchal, governed by a dominant alpha male; bonobo groups are generally ruled by females. The way this plays out in their behaviour is that chimpanzee societies are characterised by aggression. They assert their dominance by fighting or killing rivals, strangers and even young chimps, and beat female chimps in to sexual submission. Bonobo societies, by contrast are a haven of relative peace and cooperation. Sound familiar? If you recognise a chimpanzee manager from your workplace, before you jump to any conclusions let’s first get this into perspective!