University of Liverpool: Chimps keen on cultural exchange

January 10, 2008

Chimpanzees exhibit socially learnt cultural behaviour previously thought to be unique to humans, scientists at the University of Liverpool have found. In the past, behavioural differences between chimpanzee colonies have been attributed to genetic variations. But researchers found that the differences are down to chimpanzees migrating to other colonies, proving that they build "cultures" in a similar way to humans. Primatologist Stephen Lycett said: "We can see for the first time that culture exists in our closest relatives."

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