Monkeys might be more intelligent than we believe and have an innate ability to 'read minds,' similar to humans.
Grasping what another person knows involves a complex capability that young humans typically start developing around their third year of life.
Researchers have dedicated nearly half a century to finding evidence that various species, ranging from chimpanzees to ravens, possess this ability; however, numerous experts remain doubtful.
Currently, scientists possess compelling proof that bonobos genuinely have the ability to understand human thoughts and utilize this insight to interact effectively in order to obtain a delicious reward.
Three bonobos — Kanzi, who is 43 years old, Nyota, aged 25, and 13-year-old Teco, who are companions and reside at a research center in Iowa - collaborated with a researcher to obtain half a grape, a piece of apple, a peanut, or some Cheerios.
A second individual placed the food beneath one of three cups, after which, upon discovering it, the researcher would hand the item over to the bonobo across from them.
Nevertheless, at times the researcher remained unaware of the location of the delectable snack, as they were obstructed by a substantial cardboard partition.
The apes were able to tell when the researcher hadn’t witnessed the cup being placed over the food.
However, it requires a significant display of intellect to grasp that this indicates the researcher was unaware in their mind about the location of the food.
It was evident that the apes had 'read his mind' because of the additional efforts they put into helping him locate the food after he hadn’t witnessed where it was concealed.
When the researcher was unaware of the location, they were 29 percent more inclined to indicate the cup hiding the food. In this scenario, their response time was approximately 1.5 seconds quicker compared to when the researcher knew the information.
Dr. Chris KrupenYE, who co-authored the study and serves as an associate professor of psychological and brain sciences at Johns Hopkins University, stated, "Recognizing when others lack information crucial for mutual understanding lies at the core of advanced human interactions. This skill underpins essential activities like collaboration, communication, and coordinated efforts."
‘Because this so-called theory of mind supports many of the capacities that make humans unique, like teaching and language, many believe it is absent from animals.
'However, this research highlights the profound cognitive bases that both humans and other primates possess, indicating that these capabilities emerged millions of years ago in our shared predecessors.'
Earlier, chimpanzees were believed to understand the mental state of others as they produce more warning calls regarding a neighboring snake when the other chimps haven't noticed it.
However, some specialists remained doubtful, as the chimpanzees might have vocalized in fear instead of signaling an alarm to one another.
The research demonstrated that apes have the ability to simultaneously retain two pieces of information in their minds—one being the location where food was concealed under a cup, and the other being someone else's lack of awareness about this hiding spot—and then share this information with others.
The research was published in the journalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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