A recent study reveals that adult chimpanzees may find play a vital aspect of their lives. The research highlights the importance of play among adults, suggesting it reduces tension and boosts cooperation. Additionally, playing together before collaborative activities increases the chances of success.
The New Work Complements Other Findings
The new work complements other findings published in PLOS ONE that chimpanzees living at a sanctuary in Zambia were more likely to engage in play and grooming if they saw other individuals doing so.
Evolutionarily Ancient Functions
It’s likely that these functions are evolutionarily ancient and shared with our other primate relatives. The study highlights the importance of play among adult chimpanzees and its potential benefits for their social relationships and well-being.
Adult chimpanzees have been observed playing together in various situations, including before collaborative activities like hunting monkeys or defending their territory.
The researchers found that play helps adults reduce tension and boost cooperation among individuals. Adults who had a stronger social relationship were more likely to play with each other, and those who played together before collaborative activities were more likely to succeed.
Conflict Reconciliation and Tension Reduction
Play may also serve as a mechanism for conflict reconciliation and tension reduction. Adults were more likely to play with someone they recently fought with compared to anyone else. This suggests that social play can help reduce anxiety and motivate collaborative engagement.
Stress Reduction and Social Tension
The study found that adults played more when the tension was higher, such as on days when a female was ready to mate. Females were nearly 50% more likely to play with other adults rather than at other times, potentially as a means to reduce stress and social tension.
Complementing Other Findings
The new work complements other findings published in PLOS ONE that chimpanzees living at a sanctuary in Zambia were more likely to engage in play and grooming if they saw other individuals doing so. This suggests that sharing positive experiences, such as playing, laughing, and engaging in a bit of pampering, are important for social relationships and well-being.
Young Chimpanzees Are Already Known to Get Many Benefits from Playing
- sciencenews.org | For adult chimps, playing may be more important than previously ...
