Apes are able to imagine

They can use their imagination and play pretend, a skill thought to be unique to humans. This is what researchers from Johns Hopkins University (United States) say. His work is in 'Science'. Apes are able to imagine. Experiments with a bonobo confirm this.

The ape interacted with cups of imaginary juice and bowls of imaginary grapes. It challenges long-held assumptions about animals' abilities. Being able to understand imaginary objects is within the cognitive potential of at least a cultured ape. It probably dates back between 6 and 9 million years, to our common evolutionary ancestors.

imagining

"It is truly revolutionary that your mental life transcends the present," they say. «Imagination has long been considered a crucial element of the human condition. Jane Goodall discovered that chimpanzees make tools. And this invites us to reconsider what makes us special and what mental life is out there among other creatures," they add.

In the wild, young female chimpanzees have been observed carrying and playing with sticks. They hold them like mothers would hold their babies. A captive chimpanzee appeared to drag imaginary blocks across the floor after playing with real wooden blocks.

Experiments were created to test Kanzi, a 43-year-old bonobo. It was done tea party style, on a table set with empty jugs and cups or bowls and jars. The bonus learned to simulate pouring juice into a glass. I even shook it a little to get it to come out. He then asked Kanzi where the juice was. Kanzi pointed to the correct cup that still contained pretend juice most of the time, even when the experimenter changed the location of the cup filled with pretend juice.

Amazing capacity

He also learned to pretend to fill containers with fruit. He always knew how to use his imagination to complete tasks. Apes are able to imagine. They can conceive things that do not exist.

The findings inspire continued studies. Especially to check if other apes and other animals can participate in pretend games or track imaginary objects. The team also hopes to explore other facets of imagination in apes. Maybe your ability to think about the future or what's going on in other people's minds.