Comment by Kenneth Montville D.D. on April 21, 2011 at 4:19pm

Interesting but I would posit that the study suffers from the flaw of comparing the behaviour of human children with adult chimpanzees. Children default to mimicry as a method of learning, but studies have shown this is true across hominid species.

Comment by Galen on April 21, 2011 at 9:33pm

The video description (as well as a comment by the uploader) clearly states that the chimps are juveniles, not adults.

Comment by Heather Spoonheim on April 22, 2011 at 12:32am

I've seen these before and been curious if they ever tried leaving a child unattended with the device to see what happens. The children may continue with the 'ritual' because they feel that although it is not mechanically necessary it is socially required. The chimp may simply lack a concept of social requirement. I think it would be more revealing if the children were left alone with the device and continued the 'ritual'.

Comment by K_R on April 22, 2011 at 4:27pm

I guess it should be "Human see, Human do", instead of "Monkey see, Monkey do". :D

Comment by Sophie on April 25, 2011 at 11:52am

I was going to say the same thing Heather.

Comment by Brandon Johnson on April 29, 2011 at 3:25am

Those kids are being polite, that's not a fair assertion to make.   Heather is spot on.

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