MSNBC’s “Are you smarter than a chimp?” featured a fascinating segment wherein Ayumu, an 11-year-old chimpanzee, and another chimp competed against two young adults in a series of short-term memory tests. Contrary to what many might expect, the prize went to the chimps, showcasing their remarkable cognitive abilities.
Understanding the Chimpanzee’s Memory Superiority
How did this happen? Scientists aren’t entirely sure, so they have developed several theories to help explain the results. One prominent theory is that chimps possess ‘eidetic imagery,’ meaning that Ayumu has a photographic memory. This allows chimpanzees to recall images, sounds, or objects in memory with greater precision and in larger volumes than humans.
Another theory is that chimps excel in “subitizing.” Subitizing refers to the rapid, accurate, and confident judgments of number performed for a small number of items. This ability allows them to quickly and accurately assess the number of objects in a given set without needing to count them individually.
Chimpanzees like Ayumu seem to retain memory better than humans. This could be because humans have evolved and gained new skills, yet in the process, we may have lost or diminished our abilities for visual memorization. For instance, while humans have developed complex language skills and advanced problem-solving abilities, these advancements might come at the cost of other cognitive functions like short-term memory.
Comparing Human and Chimpanzee Cognitive Abilities
Chimpanzees have showcased a plethora of valuable skills similar to human beings. They can use tools, communicate using sign language, and even exhibit behaviors that suggest a sense of self-awareness. However, despite these similarities, scientists have discovered around 40 million genetic differences between humans and chimpanzees. These differences account for the distinct cognitive and physical abilities observed in both species.
While chimpanzees may have superior skills in memorization, humans dominate in self-control capabilities. Self-control is a critical aspect of human cognition that allows for delayed gratification, complex planning, and the ability to adhere to social norms. This trait has been essential for the development of human societies and cultures.
For example, in a famous experiment known as the “Marshmallow Test,” children were given the choice to eat one marshmallow immediately or wait 15 minutes to receive two marshmallows. The ability to wait was linked to better life outcomes in terms of academic success, health, and social skills. Such experiments highlight the importance of self-control, a trait where humans generally outperform chimpanzees.
Moreover, humans have developed sophisticated educational systems that further enhance cognitive abilities. From early childhood, humans are exposed to structured learning environments that teach a wide range of skills, from basic arithmetic to advanced scientific concepts. This formal education system is something that chimpanzees do not have, which further differentiates the cognitive abilities of the two species.
In conclusion, while chimpanzees like Ayumu may outperform humans in specific memory tasks, the broader spectrum of cognitive abilities in humans, including self-control and advanced problem-solving, highlights the unique evolutionary paths taken by each species. The study of these differences not only helps us understand our own cognitive abilities better but also sheds light on the fascinating world of animal intelligence.
Via Buzz Feed
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