What makes humans unique? This work presents an alternative to this puzzling question. Based on insights into the behavior of chimps and other great apes, our now extinct human ancestors, and existing hunting and gathering societies, it shows the remarkable role that meat has played in these societies. "The Hunting Apes is a very enjoyable and quick read, written for a broad audience. . . . These are well-written synopses--good for students, the general informed public, and those in anthropology and other sub-disciplines who want to keep up on these topics."---M. Tappen, Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute