Chimpanzees Teach Youngsters How to Use Tools

Topic: Biology

Researchers in Senegal observed adult chimpanzees giving tools and food to young ones. This helps them learn how to use technology to get food that's hard to access.

For over two-thirds of a century, scientists have been studying the behavior of chimpanzees. In 1871, Charles Darwin noticed that chimpanzees use stones to crack open nuts. Since then, many animals, including octopuses and parrots, have been seen making and using tools. But it's mostly monkeys and apes that use tools regularly.

A recent study in Frontiers in Psychology found that adult chimpanzees in Senegal are teaching their young ones how to use tools. The researchers analyzed 15 hours of footage from camera traps between 2017 and 2025. They saw 33 instances of tool transfer, where an older chimpanzee gave a tool or food to a younger one.

Most of the time, the older chimpanzees were mothers who handed over tools to their babies. The young ones learned how to use these tools by watching and practicing with the help of their mothers. This is similar to how humans learn new skills from their parents or teachers.

Why It Matters

This discovery can help us understand how animals teach each other important skills, just like humans do. It also shows that chimpanzees have a complex social structure, where older members take care of the younger ones.

Key Facts

• The study was conducted in Senegal by researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Jane Goodall Institute Spain.
• They analyzed footage from camera traps between 2017 and 2025.
• 33 instances of tool transfer were observed, where older chimpanzees gave tools or food to younger ones.
• Most of the time, mothers handed over tools to their babies.
• The study was published in Frontiers in Psychology.

Key Terms

Tool use

Using objects made by animals or humans to solve problems or get food.

Implications

This discovery can help us understand how animals teach each other important skills, just like humans do. It also shows that chimpanzees have a complex social structure, where older members take care of the younger ones.