Study shows apes can plan ahead (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Rebecca Morelle
BBC News science reporter

Bonobos and orangutans are capable of future planning, according to a study published in the journal Science.

Researchers found the apes could select a suitable tool for reaching a treat, carry it away, and return with it to retrieve the reward hours later.

Forward planning is thought by some to be a uniquely human trait.

The German team suggests such skills may have evolved about 14 million years ago, when bonobos, orangutans and humans shared a common ancestor.
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"Traditional learning theory has a hard time explaining this, and several scientists had postulated that future planning is something beyond the capabilities of animals, so we were very surprised to see this," said Dr Call.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4996942.stm

So ... what's the Chimperor's excuse now?

[joemurphy]

1. If only our Prez could do this New Orleans might be in better

shape.

[tridim]

2. Yep, it's now official, calling * a chimp..

is now insulting to chimps.

[C_U_L8R]

3. ape=yes chimp=no

[texastoast]

4. We humans are an arrogant bunch

I'm not surprised at all.

[soothsayer]

6. yeah, no kidding. How about when a cat goes out hunting?

They're not just like "oh i think i'll walk thru the woods, and, HEY, a mouse! I think i'll catch it and bring it home." Jeez o flip.

[madeline_con]

5. DUH-bya must be a developmentally disabled ape. eom

[depakid]

7. Oh good grief, my cat could future plan

And I've seen ravens do it, too.

[Bonobo]

8. The more you look, there are no "unique" human traits.

tool use, language, syntax, emotions, altruism, representational thinking and now "forward thinking".

We (humans) are a 3rd type of chimpanzee. That's about all there is to it.