March 16, 2025
A recent study has revealed that bonobos possess the ability to understand the thoughts of others and communicate when someone lacks certain information. This skill, known as ‘theory of mind’, is typically associated with humans and involves recognising that different individuals have distinct thoughts and perceptions. To investigate this, scientists conducted an experiment involving bonobos and a human. During the experiment, objects were hidden in a location known only to the bonobos. The bonobos demonstrated their awareness of their human partner’s lack of knowledge by guiding them to the hidden object. This finding highlights the animals’ capacity to recognise and respond to another being’s perspective.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bonobos and chimpanzees have many common characteristics and are the closest relatives of human beings presently.
