The acquaintance of scientists with Natasha, a chimpanzee living in a nature reserve on an Island in Uganda, dispelled the myth that had existed for a long time that social intelligence in primates and humans is so seriously different. The 22-year-old monkey amazed biologists with its communication skills, and especially its ability to manipulate others in order to obtain benefits.
Natasha learned a few tricks, for example, she claps her hands to attract the attention of others who give her various treats. In addition, for the sake of its own amusement, the monkey first attracts visitors to the reserve with gestures, and then, when they come close enough, begins to actively water them.
The study of the habits of other chimpanzees living in the reserve was carried out by a group of scientists from the German Max Planck Institute. Natasha's level of social activity and mental development is an order of magnitude superior to her relatives, said biologist Jill Prutz, who took part in the project, adding that scientists previously knew about individual differences in primates, but did not think that they could be so large-scale.
The authors of the project promised to publish the full data of their research in the near future. In addition to information about Natasha's skills, the report will include data on other monkeys, for example, a chimpanzee named Ayuma, who has shown amazing ability to solve mathematical problems in the mind.
Ayum at work
Chimpanzees are considered the closest relatives of humans, at one time scientists even propose to start attributing them to the genus Homo. The genetic base of this species of primates and humans coincides by 98.7%.
Promotional video:
Biologists have long found that these monkeys have a high level of intelligence. For example, in the Izhevsk zoo, the monkey enclosures are now being cleaned by their direct inhabitants. Udmurt primates have learned to wash floors, windows, and take out the trash themselves, and they do it with great pleasure. At first, the chimpanzees just enthusiastically watched as the zoo workers cleaned their aviary, and then they themselves decided to use a mop.
And in Poland, a few years ago, the management of the local nature reserve "Stolowie Mountains" made a very unconventional, but definitely innovative decision: a new inspector for tourism development, a chimpanzee named Bobby, appeared on the staff. The monkey was even assigned to pay a salary - 300 zł per month.