Do Bonobos Prefer Helpers or Bullies?

In a 2007 study using puppet shows, researchers watched how infants aged six to 10 months evaluated the social interactions between "kind" and "mean" characters. The human babies couldn’t talk, but they clearly showed an affinity for helpful characters, even to the point of avoiding those who were mean to others. A similar study, which was recently discussed in the journal Current Biology, found that bonobos, one of humankind’s closest relatives, did the opposite -- they tended to prefer the mean, bullying characters.

Follow the dominant leader:

• Researchers from Duke University basically repeated the 2007 experiment on young, orphaned bonobos living at a sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• After a skit put on for the bonobos featuring “helpful” and “mean” characters, a bonobo in a cage was given a choice of food from both. They consistently chose to take food from the dominant character.
• “Dominance is really important for apes,” said researcher Christopher Krupenye. “They're attracted to an individual who might be a powerful friend or ally,” as opposed to someone just being helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bonobos show a preference for social partners who are helpers or bullies?

Bonobos demonstrate a clear preference for individuals who are helpers over those who are bullies. Research has shown that they are more likely to choose to interact with, share food with, and support individuals who have previously exhibited helpful behaviors, indicating a social system that values cooperation and altruism.

How do bonobos recognize helpful or bullying behavior in their peers?

Bonobos, like humans, are highly social and intelligent animals capable of recognizing complex social interactions. They observe and interpret behaviors such as grooming, sharing food, or aggressive actions, and use these social cues to distinguish between helpful and bullying individuals within their group.

What impact does the preference for helpers have on bonobo society?

The preference for helpers fosters a cooperative culture within bonobo societies. This inclination promotes prosocial behaviors, reduces aggression, and strengthens social bonds, which are crucial for group cohesion and survival. Such a social structure can lead to more stable and peaceful communities.

Can the behavior of preferring helpers over bullies be observed in other primate species?

While the preference for helpers is particularly notable in bonobos, similar behaviors have been observed in other primate species. For example, chimpanzees and capuchin monkeys also show tendencies to favor individuals who exhibit cooperative behaviors, suggesting that this trait may be widespread among social primates.

How does the preference for helpers influence the way bonobos raise their young?

The preference for helpers likely influences the nurturing environment in which bonobo young are raised. Offspring are exposed to and learn from prosocial behaviors, such as sharing and cooperation, which are valued in their communities. This early learning helps to perpetuate the culture of helpfulness in subsequent generations.

What does the preference for helpers among bonobos tell us about the evolution of social behavior?

The preference for helpers among bonobos provides insights into the evolution of social behavior, suggesting that cooperation and altruism can be as advantageous as competition and aggression. This behavior may have evolved because it enhances group living and could have implications for understanding the development of human sociality and morality.