Chimpanzees Show Human-Like Rational Thinking, Scientists Reveal
Chimpanzees may think more like humans than we ever imagined. A new study from UC Berkeley and Utrecht University reveals that chimps can revise their choices when presented with better information.Researchers found that chimpanzees can update their beliefs based on the strength of new evidence. This flexible thinking is a key sign of rational reasoning, once thought to be unique to humans.
The Experiment in Uganda
At Uganda’s Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, scientists presented chimps with two boxes. Only one contained food. First, they gave the animals a hint about the correct box. Later, they offered stronger evidence pointing to the other box.Many chimps switched their choice after recognizing the new clue was more reliable. Emily Sanford from UC Berkeley explained that this kind of reasoning is often seen in young children. She said it was exciting to find the same ability in chimps.
Testing True Rationality
To make sure chimps weren’t simply following instincts, researchers used computational models and tightly controlled experiments. These ruled out simple habits, like always choosing the latest hint. The analysis confirmed that the chimps’ decisions followed rational belief revision.According to Sanford, the difference between humans and chimpanzees isn’t a leap,it’s a continuum.
Beyond Animal Behavior
This discovery could change how scientists think about learning, child development, and even artificial intelligence. Understanding how chimps process new evidence might inspire better AI models or early learning strategies.Sanford’s team is now testing two- to four-year-old children using the same method. By comparing the results, they hope to understand how reasoning evolves across species.Animals, Sanford says, are far more capable than we give them credit for. They may not study science, but they certainly think smartly about their world.
