A study reveals their sense of humor
A team of scientists from the US and Germany have discovered that four species of great apes enjoy playing pranks on their companions. By studying the interactions of Bonobos, chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillasThey have found that some of them, especially the youth, do such things Hair pulling, hitting and running away, or confronting an adult.
Infant humans begin making jokes at about eight months of age. Since this behavior does not require language, scientists believe it may similar forms of play In other animals, as shown in this new study.
Sense of humor, another test of intelligence
The mischiefs of apes are just like those of humans, as they are Stimulating, persistent and includes elements of surprise and play, The fact that all four great ape species make jokes indicates that the cognitive abilities for humor may have evolved in the human lineage at least 13 million years ago.
Monkey jokes are mainly based on simple physical activities, Like giving and taking something or surprising the other person. Although it may seem simple, this behavior involves basic cognitive abilities, such as understanding language, imagining things, and seeing things from another perspective.
The study was conducted by analyzing natural social interactions, including play, “small annoyances”, and provocations. Scientists observed what the prankster did, their body language, their faces and the reactions of those on the receiving end of the prank. study revealed 18 different pranks and play treats, And they noticed that the clowns were looking for another creature to respond or pay attention to them.
But unlike sports, the jokes were mostly one-on-one and almost never returned. These behaviors were mostly observed in quiet moments and resembled human mischief, such as waiting for a response, repeating, and surprising.
Although similar behaviors had been observed before in chimpanzees such as Jane Goodall, this study is the first to systematically examine playful teasing in great apes. These results suggest that playful teasing and its cognitive underpinnings may have existed in our common ancestor more than 13 million years ago.