Cool leaf! Study records chimp showing off object in human-like way

[Judi Lynn]

Adult ape sharing information and just wanted mother to look at foliage with no motive otherwise, scientists say

Nicola Davis Science correspondent
@NicolaKSDavis
Mon 14 Nov 2022 15.00 EST

Chimpanzees show each other objects just for the sake of it, researchers have found, revealing it isn’t only humans who like to draw attention to items that have captured their interest.

As anyone who has spent time with a child knows, even very young humans like to point out objects to others. However, it was previously thought this behaviour only occurs in our species.

Now researchers say they have found an instance of a chimpanzee showing her mother a leaf.

“She’s not offering it for food. She doesn’t want her mum to do anything. She just wants them to look at it together, and be like ‘Oh, cool, nice!’,” said Prof Katie Slocombe of the University of York, a co-author of the study.

More:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/nov/14/cool-leaf-study-records-chimp-showing-off-object-in-human-like-way

[LT Barclay]

1. I've had my kids watching documentaries when I have control of the TV and we've watched a couple

about chimps and gorillas. I've made comparisons in the other direction. When the apes are showing off and throwing sticks and branches, I tell my daughter whose 14, that it is like the middle school boys pushing each other and slamming lockers.
I must be somewhat of a good influence because she told the teacher that in her psychology class and she said the girls laughed and the boys scowled.