Experiment Suggests Monkeys Can Do Basic Math 87
sciencehabit (1205606) writes "It looks like a standardized test question: Is the sum of two numbers on the left or the single number on the right larger? Rhesus macaques that have been trained to associate numerical values with symbols can get the answer right, even if they haven't passed a math class. The finding doesn't just reveal a hidden talent of the animals—it also helps show how the mammalian brain encodes the values of numbers. Previous research has shown that chimpanzees can add single-digit numbers. But scientists haven’t explained exactly how, in the human or the monkey brain, numbers are being represented or this addition is being carried out. Now, a new study (abstract) helps begin to answer those questions."
Dangerous experiments... (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Slashdot sociopaths, as usual... (Score:4, Funny)
Your compassion is overwhelming. What is it like, not being able to feel the suffering of others? Do you think that when you pretend to care about people around you, that they believe you?
"The question is not, Can they reason? nor, Can they talk? but, Can they suffer?"
Jeremy Benthan
I conjecture the better question is do they taste good with a side of sauteed onions and peppers?
Re:Alas, poor arithmetic (Score:4, Funny)
Oh, they've already written it ... they're just holding out for more bananas.
Ever since monkeys started getting MBAs it hasn't been the same. Now they just want to outsource the whole Shakespeare thing.