Chimps are the next smartest
![[Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute] A chimp’s intelligence shines out](2002-07-26-chimp.jpg)
Q: Next to humans, what animal is smartest? Jane, Florida. Also: Lindsay, Boynton Beach, Florida
A: Probably the chimpanzee is the next smartest animal although bonobos are close contenders. Parrots are
also adept at using tools and solving problems.
A chimp's intelligence shines out. Photo courtesy of
Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute
Chimps make tools--hammer stones and anvils to crack nuts, leaf sponges to soak up water, and sticks to gather
ants, to name a few. A chimp pokes a long stick into an anthill and waits until a ball of ants collects on the
stick. She pops the ball into her mouth like a marshmallow and then polishes off the remaining antson the stick,
like eating corn on the cob.
Chimps cooperate in the hunt. Three male chimps work together high in the trees to block the escape of a monkey. They successfully trap
a red colobus monkeyand one of the three hunters makes the kill. The two non-killing hunters sit close by the third, watch his every
mouthful, and hold out begging hands. Finally the hunter gives one friend a meat hunk but not the other one. By sharing the kill, they
achieve rank and influence. Like humans, they are highly status conscious.
They manipulate each other to get what they want and they deceive one another on occasion. They analyze a problem and solve it.
Humans have taught captive chimps sign language, which the chimps use to talk with each other. They teach the language to their young
without human help. They combine signs to form new "words": for example, DRINK FRUIT means a watermelon. Chimps learn
symbols and teach them to other chimps. They understand numbers and numerical sequences.
They play, tickle, snuggle, kiss, and laugh together.
(Answered July 26, 2002)
Further Surfing:
Discover Chimpanzees
Indiana U, Jeanne Sept: Chimpanzees, our sister species
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