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