August 13, 2011
Chimps prove that human generosity is an ancient trait.
"Is selfless behavior in humans a unique evolutionary development? For years, studies designed to test prosociality, or altruism, in chimpanzees have presented them as 'reluctant altruists' that are indifferent to the welfare of their fellow chimps. But now it seems that chimps care more for their fellow apes than we realized."
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Well, of course chimpanzees are altruistic. I've never had one pay for my coffee ahead of me at the Starbucks counter, but I did have one offer to share his banana. I took a bite and gave it back, then we alternated munches. I think the handler was a bit surprised, but what's a few germs between primates?* *As a mother who has drank/eaten with 4 sharing toddlers, I must say the chimp was quite pleasant and left fewer goobers.
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The chimp who played Bonzo never asked for a cut from all that "Bedtime for Bonzo" merchandising that was re-purposed for Reagan's political career. TV/movie chimps have been tolerant of attempts to name them after other species (Cheetah in the Tarzan movies, Bear in "B.J. and the..."). And J.Fred Muggs was the only Today Show co-host who never complained about having to get up so damn early. So, at least the show biz chimps proved themselves plenty generous, compared to others (did you know the Jack Russell Terrier on "Frazier" had a rider in his contract requiring that all the green pieces be removed from his Kibbles & Bits?)