Do chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) attribute preferences to virtual competitors?

ABSTRACT: Many animal species live in multi-level societies regulated by complex patterns of dominance. Avoiding competition with dominant group-mates for resources such as food and mates is an important skill for subordinate individuals in these societies, if they wish to evade harassment and aggression. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are an example of such a species. This study investigated whether chimpanzees could understand the food preferences of their competitors, and make use of this understanding to select non-contested food items. Fifteen chimpanzees were given thorough experience of the differing target preferences of two virtual competitors. In the test, subjects had to select which of the two targets to approach, based on which competitor was present. To choose correctly, they would have

SUBMITTER: Rapport Munro E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12419670 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature