Fake snakes uncover chimpanzees' mind-reading ability

Learn Behav. 2018 Sep;46(3):225-226. doi: 10.3758/s13420-018-0324-3.

Abstract

Crockford et al. (2017, Science Advances, 3(11), e1701742) conducted experimental studies in the wild in Africa to investigate the ability of chimpanzees to understand the mental states of other conspecific individuals. Their findings suggest that chimpanzees understand whether or not other individuals are aware of dangers, and they behave differently according to their understanding about the mental states of other individuals.

Keywords: Alarm call; Chimpanzee; Perspective taking; Theory of mind.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Awareness
  • Comprehension*
  • Pan troglodytes*