Ape versus machine: Do primates enjoy computer games?

[Tank]

Ape versus machine: Do primates enjoy computer games?

A chimp genius can complete a computer memory test in less time than it takes the average person to blink - and much faster than any human rival. But do the world's cleverest animals enjoy these cognitive tasks?

Ayumu, who was born and raised in Japan's Kyoto University, can remember the location and order of a set of numbers in record time. Sixty milliseconds to be precise.

Of course, it is not "natural" behaviour for a chimp to interact with a computer screen, but scientists suggest this type of task could be good for captive apes.

"Unfortunately, captive great apes often exhibit behavioural signs of boredom, frustration and stress," says Fay Clark from the Royal Veterinary College's Centre for Animal Welfare.

Working with the Zoological Society of London, Ms Clark has recently published a review of research investigating whether challenges that get captive apes thinking can enhance their well-being...

This is part of a new BBC program about 'super smart animals'. You need to watch the video clip on the link.

[Crow]

That is amazing! Going to watch the episode now.

(The music is quite apt as well Bonobo - Kiara)

[joeactor]

... can we be far away from the long awaited ape super-computer?

(I for one welcome our new primate overlords...)

[ThinkAnarchy]

Personally, I don't think chimps should be trusted with computers. It's only a matter of time before one chimp figures out how to hack a governments servers, overrides their nuclear launch codes, and well... you can figure out the rest.

In all seriousness, that is fascinating. I hope I remember to check out that show. Thanks for sharing that.

Edit: Fixed serious typo. For a second it appeared as if I were pro computers for apes. Phew, that could have been embarrassing.

[Crow]

The second episode was very planet of the apes in the final segment.

[Tank]

The second episode was very planet of the apes in the final segment.

Yes. Lounging around with a Banobo chatting.

[pytheas]

"Unfortunately, captive great apes often exhibit behavioural signs of boredom, frustration and stress," says Fay Clark from the Royal Veterinary College's Centre for Animal Welfare.

No Shit Sherlock!

just stumbled on one problem with our "civilisation" with apes so enormous they sink the earth they step on

by the way instead of experimenting with bonobo'sIif they do..!) they should fuck with them. they dig the "love" better

[Tank]

"Unfortunately, captive great apes often exhibit behavioural signs of boredom, frustration and stress," says Fay Clark from the Royal Veterinary College's Centre for Animal Welfare.

No Shit Sherlock!

just stumbled on one problem with our "civilisation" with apes so enormous they sink the earth they step on

by the way instead of experimenting with bonobo's (Iif they do..!) they should fuck with them. they dig the "love" better

Bonobo's use sexual contact in a social manner which is more akin to a hand shake or grooming. Anthropermorphising animals is IMO one of the greatest wrongs we can do to them. We can't get inside their heads so we have a very tenuous baseline for behavioural comparison.

[pytheas]

"Unfortunately, captive great apes often exhibit behavioural signs of boredom, frustration and stress," says Fay Clark from the Royal Veterinary College's Centre for Animal Welfare.

No Shit Sherlock!
just stumbled on one problem with our "civilisation" with apes so enormous they sink the earth they step on
by the way instead of experimenting with bonobo's (Iif they do..!) they should fuck with them. they dig the "love" better

Bonobo's use sexual contact in a social manner which is more akin to a hand shake or grooming. Anthropermorphising animals is IMO one of the greatest wrongs we can do to them. We can't get inside their heads so we have a very tenuous baseline for behavioural comparison.

I agree fully with anthropomorhising, and relate it with pet owing. ok the animals serve as a tool for psychotherapy for many people.

However I have the sinister job of animal experimentation. And monkey bussiness as in "captive monkeys in a lab from which one reports observations" is a sensitive line for my ethics


by the way whats the difference between grooming and masturbation in reference to psychosocial parameters?