Amalia Bastos

Amalia Bastos is not mentioned in either of the provided news articles. The articles focus on research indicating that bonobos, particularly one named Kanzi at the Ape Initiative in Des Moines, Iowa, exhibit the capacity for make-believe play, a trait previously considered a uniquely human hallmark. Researchers have observed bonobos engaging in activities that suggest the use of imaginary objects and scenarios, such as hosting 'tea parties.' This discovery is newsworthy because it challenges existing understandings of cognitive abilities in non-human primates and offers insights into the evolution of imagination and symbolic thought. The research suggests a closer link between human and bonobo cognitive processes than previously thought, highlighting the importance of studying ape behavior to understand the origins of human intelligence.