Orangutans prefer food associated with sounds of laughter, study suggests
A study published in Biology Letters suggests that orangutans are more likely to choose food rewards if they are associated with the sounds of other apes having fun. This research indicates that positive emotions may play a significant role in animal cognition and decision-making.
Why it matters
Understanding the link between emotion and cognition in great apes provides deeper insight into the evolutionary roots of human social behavior and learning.
An orangutan tucks into a treat. The study suggests positive emotions could influence how the great apes learn and make decisions. An orangutan tucks into a treat. The study suggests positive emotions could influence how the great apes learn and make decisions. Animal behaviour Orangutans prefer food associated with sounds of laughter, study suggests Apes in study more likely to choose treats linked to sound of peers having fun, suggesting emotions influence learning
Prefer the Guardian on Google Orangutans base their food choices on whether others appear to be having a good time, research suggests.
Scientists studying captive orangutans have found that when the great apes heard the sound of their peers laughing before they searched a bowl for a tasty treat, they valued the reward more highly.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in