Researchers from Scottish institutions linked to the University of Andrews have identified another shared trait between humans and chimpanzees. The experiments show that monkeys sometimes rely on luck when facing the unknown. The findings appear in a respected science journal, Biology Letters.
Earlier work indicated that people often adopt a predictive mindset, making guesses when information is incomplete. The new studies reveal that monkeys display a similar tendency, suggesting a common strategy in uncertain situations.
The researchers designed a task where chimpanzees were presented with two cups. One cup hid a treat, while the other was empty. The animals had to select the container that promised a prize.
In some test versions, the location of the food was shown clearly. In others, there were no clues about which cup concealed the reward. After a subject indicated a cup, it faced a second choice or a guaranteed, smaller portion from a secondary cup.
The results showed that most chimpanzees were more inclined to pick the smaller cup when the first cue about food location was missing.
In a subsequent phase, the scenario included more cups, making the correct choice harder. The researchers observed that chimpanzees’ decisions hinged on their initial success. If a wrong cup was chosen first, the animal tended to opt for the smaller, certain reward in the second round. If the initial choice was correct, the chimpanzee was more likely to pursue the second cup rather than the guaranteed option. This pattern implies a belief in the possibility of luck guiding outcomes.
These experiments align with a broader view that chimpanzees can learn and convey complex skills within their social groups, strengthening ties and sharing knowledge across generations. The findings contribute to our understanding of decision-making, risk assessment, and the role of uncertainty in primate cognition. Citation: Biology Letters for the study and its context.