CNN —Researchers have found a new way in which great apes are similar to humans: they tease each other.
Researchers found that all four species of great apes demonstrated “intentionally provocative behavior, frequently accompanied by characteristics of play,” according to the press release.
The study details 18 different teasing behaviors, many of which were used to provoke a response or attract another ape’s attention.
The authors also differentiate playful teasing, which is one-sided, from play, where both apes reciprocate.
While primatologists had observed similar behaviors in the past, the study is the first to systematically study playful teasing, Laumer said.
Persons:
Isabelle Laumer, Laumer, ’ ”, primatologists, ”
Organizations:
CNN —, BOS Foundation BPI, Max Planck, Animal, CNN, Royal Society, Biological Sciences
Locations:
Leipzig, Germany, San Diego