Apes throw tantrums? Research shows that some apes throw tantrums when things don’t go their way.
Duke University scientists came up with decision-making games for the apes--bonobos and chimpanzees--so they can earn edible treats, according to an abstract of a study published in PLOS One.
When some apes lost the game, they got a cucumber instead of a banana, which triggered what appeared to be a temper tantrum, according to the BBC. In all, 23 chimps and 15 bonobos were studied in the Republic of Congo.
“The animals were all [rescued] orphans of the bushmeat trade,” lead researcher Alexandra Rosati told the broadcaster. “They’re sort of in semi-captivity, but it’s possible to play games with them.”
She added: “It’s as close as we can come to wild animals without actually being in the wild.”
The study ultimately showed that the apes made choices about getting a better treat at the risk of getting a non-preferred food item, according to the Science Daily.
Both bonobos and chimps displayed negative responses, including pouting, moaning, banging, and scratching when the less-desirable treat was received, the Daily said
Chimps were more patient than bonobos and were more likely to take risks.
