Scientists Discover that Chimpanzees Can Change Their Beliefs Based on New Evidence
A groundbreaking joint research project has revealed a remarkable ability of chimpanzees, showing that these primates are capable not only of perceiving facts but also of actively re-evaluating their beliefs in response to new information.
This significant discovery challenges traditional notions of animal intelligence and expands our understanding of their cognitive capabilities.
Conducted on Ngamba Island in Uganda, the study led by psychologist Hanna Schleihauf from Utrecht University involved a series of experiments where chimpanzees demonstrated an ability to weigh and analyze evidence.
They learned to evaluate different types of evidence—from clear visual cues to less obvious sounds or crumbs—and to adjust their conclusions accordingly.
These findings open new horizons in the study of animal intelligence, as such behavioral flexibility was previously thought to be exclusive to humans.
Researchers found that chimpanzees not only compare and assess incoming data but also recognize unreliable facts and can modify their decisions accordingly, especially in scenarios involving deceptive or incomplete evidence.
This contributes to a deeper understanding of cognitive evolution and the development of mental skills in highly intelligent animals.
The discovery emphasizes that human intelligence is not the only form of advanced cognition, as animals are capable of deductive reasoning, analysis, and self-awareness—abilities once believed to be uniquely human.