Bonobos can play make-believe much like children, study suggests

A new study suggests bonobos, like children, possess the ability to engage in make-believe. Researchers at the University of St Andrews and Johns Hopkins University conducted experiments with Kanzi, a bonobo, to test his understanding of pretend scenarios. Kanzi was able to identify the location of imaginary liquids and objects, indicating an understanding of pretense. The study, published in the journal Science, involved pretending to fill cups with an empty jug and asking Kanzi to identify the "full" cup. Kanzi's success rate was significantly higher than chance, suggesting he understood the concept of imaginary liquids. Researchers believe this ability may extend back to the common ancestor of humans and bonobos, dating back 6 to 9 million years.

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