A research team discovers the characteristics of gambling in different species. Is “risky” behavior innate or were we taught? Human See, Human Do?
According to English naturalist, Charles Robert Darwin, mankind has evolved from the Ape family and has chosen a different path in the maze of survival. We have changed according to our surroundings and have left our ancestors in our urban zoos. Recent research has provided evidence for another similarity between Man and Ape - we both love to gamble!
Using food gathering techniques, scientists have discovered that chimpanzees favor engaging in risky behavior in order to win the jackpot. As opposed to most animals, including most humans, chimps prefer risking their lives for "better" meal (protein-rich meat) before they approach the "safer" meal (ground-based vegetation).
Pick a Bowl! Any Bowl!
Leipzig Zoo in Germany invited five chimps and
five bonobos, an endangered close relative from the Democratic Republic of
Congo, to teach researchers how to gamble. Note: apes can't play Poker (I know...
its disappointing).
Scientists presented each ape with an option to choose one of two upside-down bowls.
One bowl was known as the "Safe" bowl - containing exactly four grape halves every time - and the other was know as the "Risk" bowl - with one to seven grape halves.
And the Winner is...
The two apes were very similar to one another in every
aspect (size, appearance and behavior). But when it comes to diets, bonobos
appreciated the security of the fixed bowl while chimps enjoyed the excitement
of discovering how many grape halves hide under the "risk" bowl.
The same was seen in their natural habitats as bonobos divulged herbaceous vegetation on the ground, a reliable source of chow, and chimps hunted, killed and ate colobus monkeys, a tasty and healthier alternative.
The Poker Analogy
As major poker tournaments are sprouting across the globe and more people
are joining the gambling community, in which direction are we going on the
evolutionary scale? Is society connecting with its chimpanzee roots or will we
return to our secure bonobon life style? Perhaps their lack of gambling is the
reason they're endangered...
Blackjack
Slots
Roulette
Baccarat
Craps
Poker
