Chimpanzees shown spontaneously ’taking turns’ to solve number puzzle

A new study from Kyoto and Oxford universities and Indianapolis Zoo has shown chimpanzees spontaneously taking turns to complete a number sequencing task. Previous studies have shown chimps working together in strictly alternating turn-taking scenarios. However, these results are the first to demonstrate that chimpanzees can cope with more complex permutations of turn-taking, with no external cues to help time their behaviour. The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports , gives important insights into the evolution of turn-taking, which underlies a range of social interactions, including communication and language. Dr Dora Biro, co-author of the study from Oxford's Department of Zoology, said: 'Coordinating behaviour is an essential component of many social situations and can enable groups of individuals jointly to solve problems. In communication, coordination often takes the form of turn-taking, where one individual takes cues from the other to decide on the timing of their own input. This can allow for the efficient exchange of information.