Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered that chimpanzees, like humans, are prone to waiting in line for bathroom facilities. However, these primates have found a unique solution to this problem. A new study published by Ena Onishi and Shinya Yamamoto reveals that peeing is contagious among chimps.
The study, which observed a group of captive chimpanzees, shows that the animals’ behavior is influenced by their peers. When one chimp urinates, others tend to follow suit, indicating a social contagion effect. This phenomenon has been previously documented in humans, making it the first comprehensive study on contagious urination in animals.
The researchers observed this behavior among captive chimps, suggesting that the social aspect of peeing plays a significant role in their behavior. This finding not only sheds light on primate behavior but also highlights the complexities of human-like behavior in non-human species.
Source: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/chimpanzees-contagious-peeing