Bonobos Can Tell When a Human Doesn't Know Something
Briefly

In a recent study, bonobos showcased their cognitive abilities by successfully identifying a hidden snack under cups and assisting a human partner, even when the human was unaware of the snack's location. This behavior suggests that bonobos possess a theory of mind, allowing them to recognize their partner's ignorance. The research aimed to explore such cognitive abilities in the apes, indicating that like humans, they can communicate and collaborate effectively to resolve uncertainty. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of cognitive parallels between bonobos and humans.
The bonobos knew when their partner was ignorant, and they communicated proactively to make sure that their ignorant partner still made the correct choice.
Their findings provide compelling evidence that the apes can infer someone's ignorance and also act to help clear up the confusion.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
[
|
]