Chimpanzees in Uganda display human-like healthcare practices
Observations of chimpanzees in Uganda have revealed remarkable behaviors. Not only do they treat their own wounds, but they also care for other sick individuals. This could shed new light on similar behaviors among human ancestors.
Key information
- Chimpanzees in Uganda use simple methods for wound treatment.
- The animals help not only themselves but also other group members.
- The research may shed new light on the evolution of human medicine.
Researchers from the University of Oxford discovered that chimpanzees in the Budongo Forest in Uganda use simple methods for wound treatment. Moreover, they also help other individuals, which may suggest that such behaviors have deeper evolutionary roots.
The researchers observed that the chimpanzees use various treatment techniques, such as licking wounds and chewing plants, and applying them to injured areas. These methods may have antibacterial effects and accelerate healing.
By documenting how chimpanzees identify and utilize medicinal plants and provide care to others, we gain insight into the cognitive and social foundations of human healthcare behaviors, explains Dr. Elodie Freymann, the lead author of the article published in "Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution."
Reactions and consequences of the discovery
Dr. Elodie Freymann, the research author, emphasizes that these observations may help understand the evolutionary roots of human medicine. Chimpanzees demonstrate the ability to recognize the suffering of others and take actions to alleviate it, which is extremely intriguing from an evolutionary perspective.
Researchers documented a total of 41 cases of treatment. In 34 cases, the animals cared for themselves, and in seven cases, it involved other individuals. Experts also inform that among the seven cases of prosocial care, four cases involved wound treatment, two involved assistance in removing snares, and one was help with hygiene activities.
"These behaviors add to the evidence from other sites that chimpanzees appear to recognize need or suffering in others and take deliberate action to alleviate it, even when there's no direct genetic advantage," emphasizes Dr. Freymann.
The researchers plan to continue their studies to better understand the social and ecological contexts of these behaviors. There is a need for further observations to fully understand how common these practices are among chimpanzees and what factors determine them.
