Chimpanzees regularly ingest the equivalent of an alcoholic drink a day through fermented fruit in their diets, this according to a new study. Published on September 17 in Science Advances, researchers observed two groups of wild chimpanzees in the Ivory Coast and Uganda, analyzing the fruit they ate and estimating that the animals consumed around 14 grams (0.5 ounces) of ethanol daily.
The findings, which suggest that chimps take in the human equivalent of 2.6 alcoholic drinks per day when adjusted for body weight, mark the first precise attempt to quantify alcohol consumption in the species. Scientists say the study could offer new insights into the evolutionary roots of human alcohol use.
Smart, strong, and endlessly fascinating, chimpanzees are our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom. They live in complex social groups, use tools, and express emotions like joy, anger, and even grief. Found mainly in the forests of Central and West Africa, these incredible primates are full of surprises. Whether they're solving puzzles, forming deep bonds, or just getting into a bit of jungle mischief, there's always something new to discover.
Click on to explore some truly amazing facts about chimpanzees. You might be surprised by how much we have in common!