A troop of chimpanzees in Zambia has brought back an old trend with a surprising twist. After fifteen years since a female chimp named Julie initiated the trend by inserting a blade of grass into her ear at the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, a new group of chimps at the sanctuary has started following suit. Jake Brooker, a psychologist and primatologist from Durham University, expressed astonishment at this resurgence of behavior, noting that the chimps have added their unique touch by inserting grass and sticks into different body orifices.
According to a recent study published in the journal Behavior, this behavior sheds light on how cultural trends propagate and evolve among chimpanzees, similar to human cultural dynamics. Researchers speculate that the chimps may have picked up the habit of ear-sticking from human caretakers who occasionally clean their ears with similar tools at the sanctuary.
The phenomenon, believed to be a form of social trend, was traced back to a male chimp named Juma, who introduced the grass-in-butt variation. The behavior quickly spread among other group members, resembling the spread of trends in human societies. Chimpanzees, like humans, seem willing to endure discomfort for the sake of fashion, with the behavior likened to getting one’s ears pierced.
Primatologist Julie Teichroeb, not involved in the study, suggests that the chimps might be using this behavior to attract potential mates, particularly females displaying physical indications of receptivity. This behavior, while seemingly unusual, underscores the commonality of cultural variations among primates and other animals, often stemming from unique social dynamics.
The study highlights how closely related humans are to chimpanzees, showcasing shared behaviors and tendencies. Brooker draws parallels with orcas observed wearing salmon hats, linking these behaviors to environmental factors and cultural transmission. Despite its peculiarity, the study underscores the intricate social dynamics and cultural evolution present among our primate relatives.
Brooker reflects on the myriad surprises observed in chimpanzee behavior, mentioning an incident of post-conflict fellatio among male chimps as one of the most unexpected behaviors encountered. As researchers delve deeper into animal behavior, they continue to uncover fascinating insights into the complex social worlds of our primate counterparts.
