Psychologists from the University of Michigan have found similarities in the behavior of adolescent humans and adolescent chimpanzees. The results of the research were published at: magazine Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.
“Adolescent humans face body and brain changes and tend to be more impulsive, risk-averse, and less regulated than adults. Chimpanzees face many of the same problems as humans as they mature. They experience rapid hormonal changes, increased aggression, form new social bonds, and They compete for status.
The researchers worked with 40 chimpanzees, some of whom were born in the wild, some 8-15 years old (adolescent). They played games that tested the young animals’ tendency to risk taking and impulsiveness.
Apparently, young chimpanzees are more likely to take risks in their games than adults. The same is true for humans. The scientists also conducted an experiment in which they asked monkeys to eat a slice of banana immediately, or wait a minute and then eat three slices of banana. Both adults and teens expected three bites, but teens were more likely to have tantrums. In a similar test, human teens were more likely to immediately accept a smaller treat.
“Previous studies have shown that chimpanzees are quite patient compared to other animals, and this study confirms that their ability to delay gratification develops at a fairly young age, unlike humans,” the psychologists said.
Source: Gazeta
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