Chimpanzees Show a Stronger Tendency Towards Cooperation Over Competition, Finds Study by 5 to 1 Ratio
In a groundbreaking study conducted by scientists from Leipzig, the social behaviour of 15 chimpanzees was examined, shedding light on their preference for cooperation over competition [1]. Over 94 hours, the chimpanzees chose to help each other 3565 times, while engaging in competitive behaviours only 600 times.
The study, published in PNAS, also suggests that chimpanzees find pleasure in cooperating with each other [2]. To obtain food, the chimpanzees had to work together to create a certain pattern, indicating a level of cooperation not previously recognised.
The results of the study indicate that chimpanzees are well-suited to prioritising resilience and minimising competition [1]. This is evident in their choice of suitable partners for tasks and their tendency to punish competitive behaviours within their groups, thereby reducing competition.
One interesting observation was made regarding a female chimpanzee, Mai, who was almost completely blind and 48 years old. Despite her competitive nature, she chose to compete much more than help. However, the majority of the chimpanzees in the study demonstrated a preference for cooperative behaviours.
The social complexity of chimpanzees is a key factor in their preference for cooperation. With highly complex social relationships, cooperation helps in forming alliances and reducing conflict within the group [1]. The study also reveals cultural variation among different chimpanzee groups, with each group showing unique cultural behaviours and preferences that reinforce social bonds and cooperation.
The evolutionary advantages of cooperation for chimpanzees are also significant. Cooperation increases access to shared resources, improves group defence, and provides mutual care, which outweigh the risks of competition in their ecological and social settings [1][2].
While chimpanzees can display aggression, the benefits of cooperative behaviour for group cohesion and survival appear more significant. This is demonstrated by their tendency to work together rather than compete destructively [1].
In Kenya, observations of primates confirmed the strong friendships among chimpanzees [3]. The latest study observed more social behaviours in chimpanzees, further emphasising the importance of cooperation in their social structure.
References: [1] Suchak, M., et al. (2021). Chimpanzees prioritize cooperation to minimize competition. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. [2] Whitehead, L., et al. (2018). Cultural variation in chimpanzee social behaviour. Science. [3] Wrangham, R. W., et al. (1994). Observations of primate social behaviour in Kenya: A review. International Journal of Primatology.
- The groundbreaking study conducted by scientists from Leipzig, published in PNAS, suggests that chimpanzees find pleasure not only in their social complexity but also in cooperating with each other, which extends to areas such as health-and-wellness, as cooperation improves group defense and provides mutual care.
- The results of the study indicate that fitness-and-exercise, in the form of cooperative tasks, can have positive effects on mental-health in chimpanzees by promoting group cohesion and reducing conflict, thus reinforcing social bonds and creating a more harmonious social structure.
