The Feasibility of Apes Living in Muir Woods in the Context of 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes'

In Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the idea that the apes could live and hide in Muir Woods is plausible for several reasons. This article will explore these reasons and discuss whether such a scenario could be conceivable in today's world.

Dense Forest Cover as Cover and Habitat

Muir Woods is characterized by its dense redwood forests, making it a suitable environment for apes to hide from human detection. The thick foliage and towering trees provide ample cover, allowing the apes to remain concealed while also offering a suitable habitat. This dense forest cover is a crucial factor in the plausibility of the apes' survival in Muir Woods.

Abundance of Food Sources

The forest is rich in vegetation, including fruits, nuts, and other plant materials. These abundant food sources would support the apes' survival in the wild. Access to sustenance ensures that the apes can maintain their strength and continue their survival, making it easier for them to thrive in their natural environment.

Limited Human Activity

While Muir Woods is a popular tourist destination, many areas are less frequented, especially in the more remote parts of the park. This reduced human activity gives the apes the opportunity to establish a hidden habitat away from human eyes. The less frequented areas provide a safer environment for the apes to build their communities and avoid human contact.

Enhanced Abilities and Adaptability

The apes in the film have heightened intelligence due to the experimental drug, which would enhance their ability to find food, build shelters, and avoid humans. Their advanced problem-solving skills would aid them in navigating the challenges of living in the wild. This intelligence and adaptability are crucial for their survival in a dense forest environment with limited human interference.

Strong Social Structure for Survival

The apes are depicted as having a strong social structure, which helps in their survival. Working together, they can find resources and protect each other. This social organization would enable them to maintain their hidden habitat effectively and ensure the well-being of the group as a whole. The social structure provides a form of collective intelligence that supports their survival.

Conceivability in Today's World

Is it conceivable in today's world? No, not at all. For a short period of time, perhaps, but as soon as the apes started to build larger structures, regular flyovers would spot something going on. Campfires, especially, are easily spotted from a distance and would be highly noticeable. Early detection would likely lead to human intervention and discovery.

Even during a "rampant 90% fatal global plague," many life activities would grind to a halt. Food scarcity and logistical issues would lead to widespread starvation and the breakdown of infrastructure. Under these conditions, a small village of apes would be incredibly difficult to detect and track. However, the premise of a 90% fatal plague as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease does contain large logical holes, as such a disease typically does not spread that rapidly or lethally via airborne transmission.

Given the current level of human activity and surveillance, it would be nearly impossible for a group of apes to maintain a hidden habitat without being discovered. The limited frequency of human activity in the more remote parts of Muir Woods provides some level of conceivability, but it would be extremely challenging to sustain such a hidden existence for any significant period.

In conclusion, while the premise in 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' is fictional, the combination of environmental factors and the enhanced abilities of the apes does make it a plausible scenario within the context of the movie. However, in today's world, the factors of human activity, surveillance, and logistical constraints would make such a scenario highly improbable.