Bonobos recognize when humans are ignorant
A recent study reveals that bonobos possess a sophisticated understanding of human knowledge. Researchers discovered that bonobos can discern when a human is unaware of a particular situation, adjusting their behavior accordingly. This suggests that bonobos have a theory of mind, the ability to attribute mental states to others.
The study involved observing bonobos as they interacted with humans who were either knowledgeable or ignorant about the location of hidden food. The bonobos were more likely to cooperate with humans who knew where the food was hidden, demonstrating an awareness of the human's knowledge state. This finding highlights the complex cognitive abilities of bonobos and sheds light on the evolution of social intelligence.
