Researchers have made a curious discovery: chimpanzees are able to revise their previously formed opinions when presented with more compelling information. An experiment titled “Chimpanzees Rationally Adjust Their Beliefs” was conducted by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and Utrecht University.
The experiment took place at a nature reserve on Ngamba Island (Uganda). The chimpanzees were given a simple task: choose between two boxes, one of which contained a treat. First, the animals were shown a subtle hint as to the location of the treat. Later, they received a new hint – a more precise and compelling one, pointing to the other box. After receiving the more compelling signal, many chimpanzees changed their minds and chose the other option. “We saw that chimpanzees are able to reconsider their views when presented with more reliable data. This kind of cognitive flexibility is typically demonstrated by children around four years old, so observing it in primates was quite unexpected and impressive,” noted lead author Emily Sanford.
The scientists recorded both the animals’ choices—the initial and the repeated ones—and analyzed how often they changed their minds. Computer behavior analysis was used to rule out a simple reaction to the last cue.
The study’s results showed that the chimpanzees used a rational approach when revising their decisions. According to Sanford, these results confirm that the ability to think rationally is not unique to humans, but a broader phenomenon that exists at different levels across species.
“The difference between humans and chimpanzees is not a chasm, but a gradual transition,” the researcher emphasized.
Plans are underway to expand the study to other primates to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of logical thinking.
As a reminder, scientists have discovered unique dinosaur mummies.
To be continued…
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