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| Chimpanzees Comfort Each Other Through Embracing, Hand-Holding, and Gentle Touch, Study Finds |
Groundbreaking research reveals chimpanzees are just as empathetic as bonobos
Chimpanzees, often portrayed as aggressive and hierarchical, may be far more empathetic than previously believed. A new study by Durham University has found that chimpanzees regularly console each other with hugs, hand-holding, and gentle touches — behaviors strikingly similar to human compassion.
Traditionally, bonobos have been viewed as the "peaceful" and "empathic" primates, while chimpanzees have been cast as their violent cousins. However, this research challenges that narrative, offering fresh insights into the emotional lives of our closest living relatives.
1,400 Hours of Observation Unveil Emotional Depth
The research team spent an impressive 1,400 hours observing chimpanzees and bonobos. They focused on how individuals responded when another group member was distressed, such as after a fight. Their findings were eye-opening:
- Chimpanzees were just as likely to console each other as bonobos.
- Consoling behaviors included embracing, holding hands, and gentle touches.
- Young chimpanzees and young bonobos were the most likely to offer and seek consolation.
- Older apes were less likely to engage in consoling behavior, suggesting that emotional sensitivity is most prominent early in development.
According to the researchers, these behaviors closely mirror how humans comfort one another, emphasizing the deep evolutionary roots of empathy.
Young Apes Lead the Way in Emotional Support
One fascinating aspect of the study was the role of age and social bonds:
- Among bonobos, younger individuals were significantly more likely to comfort and be comforted.
- Among chimpanzees, young males and close social partners were the primary providers of consolation.
This suggests that emotional intelligence and the ability to recognize distress in others emerge early in life, even among non-human primates.
A New Understanding of Primate Empathy
Lead researcher Dr. Jake Brooker highlighted the significance of these findings:
"For a long time, bonobos have been thought of as the more empathic ape, whilst chimpanzees are typically spoken about as the violent, despotic ape. However, we found that chimpanzees are just as likely to console one another as bonobos."
This is the first direct comparison of consolation behavior between chimpanzees and bonobos, according to Durham University.
The study was conducted by observing:
- 40 bonobos at the Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- 50 chimpanzees at the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage in Zambia
The research was funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation, an organization committed to advancing human flourishing through rigorous scientific inquiry.
Why This Matters: The Evolution of Human Compassion
Understanding how and why empathy evolved is crucial for unraveling the complexities of human social behavior. The researchers believe that by studying consolation behaviors in chimpanzees and bonobos, we can gain deeper insights into:
- The origins of human empathy
- The development of emotional intelligence
- The biological basis for prosocial behavior in human societies
Further studies could illuminate how early human ancestors interacted and supported each other, shaping the cooperative societies we live in today.
Final Thoughts
This new research reshapes our understanding of chimpanzees and challenges long-held assumptions about primate behavior. Rather than being driven solely by dominance and aggression, chimpanzees show remarkable emotional sensitivity, offering comfort and care to those in distress.
As scientists continue to explore the emotional worlds of our closest relatives, we may find that the roots of human compassion run deeper — and further back in our evolutionary history — than we ever imagined.
Sources:
- Durham University Press Release
- Templeton World Charity Foundation
- Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary
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