A fascinating new study has demonstrated that chimpanzees imitate and develop trends—even when these behaviors offer no clear practical benefit.
In an unusual phenomenon, researchers at a chimpanzee sanctuary in Zambia, Africa observed several chimps from one group hanging grass or twigs from their ear canals and rectums, with no indication they were using the vegetation to relieve physical discomfort.
Even more intriguing, another group of chimpanzees at the same sanctuary was observed placing blades of grass in their ears over a decade earlier.
Since the two groups had never crossed paths, they couldn’t have learned the behavior from one another. However, researchers discovered that both groups shared the same caretakers, who reported occasionally cleaning their own ears with grass or matchsticks.
“It mirrors how human cultural fads spread: someone starts doing something, others copy it, and it becomes part of the group identity even if it serves no clear purpose,” said Durham University Research Associate Dr. Jake Brooker, one of the study’s authors.
Researchers believe captivity may facilitate such trends, since wild chimps are preoccupied with survival, and captive ones have more idle time. Still, while it may seem like just a “fashion trend,” this behavior might also reflect something more profound.
“By copying someone else’s behaviour, you show that you notice and maybe even like that individual,” said Utrecht University Assistant Professor and the study’s lead author, Dr. Edwin van Leeuwen. “So, it might help strengthen social bonds and create a sense of belonging within the group, just like it does in humans.”
Lady Freethinker is grateful to the researchers for uncovering yet another example of the rich and complex lives of our fellow primates—and hopes studies like this will inspire greater empathy and care for all animals.
