The evolution of cooperation: comparative studies with wild and captive bonobos and chimpanzees

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24700259
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Cognitive science
• Research Institution: Kobe University (2013-2014); Kyoto University (2012)
• Principal Investigator: YAMAMOTO Shinya 神戸大学, 国際文化学研究科, 准教授 (40585767)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 協力行動 / 利他行動 / 比較認知科学 / チンパンジー / ボノボ / 社会的知性 / 向社会性 / 進化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

I investigated the evolution of altruism and cooperation by comparatively studies with chimpanzees and bonobos. I established a very unique 2-by-2 research paradigm, i.e. studying chimpanzees and bonobos both in the wild and captivities, which enables us to discuss species differences from various viewpoints of individual- and group-levels. I found that food sharing is observed more frequently in bonobos than in chimpanzees. Meanwhile, group cooperation observed when the animals cross dangerous roads were more conspicuous in chimpanzees than in bonobos. These studies show that various social factors influence the evolution of altruism and cooperation.

Free Research Field

比較認知科学