Why do young female chimps play with dolls?

  • Thread starter Pythagorean
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In summary, chimp girls acquire dolls through natural behavior or human intervention. They play with dolls differently than human girls, using them for exploration and manipulation. Playing with dolls helps them develop motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and social skills, as well as learn through imitation and gain an understanding of their environment. There can be differences in doll preferences among chimp girls, and playing with dolls may have long-term benefits for their cognitive and social development. However, there is no conclusive evidence on the long-term effects of playing with dolls on chimp girls.
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Pythagorean
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Chimp girls play with "dolls"

I'm at my iPhone now, so locating the actual sci article is annoyingly difficult, bit googling "chimps play with dolls" will give the pop sci articles.

Apparently, young female chimps play with sticks like dolls, whereas young male chips do not. Interesting implication in the whole nature/nurture entanglement.
 
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  • #2
Here's the Science Daily article
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101220121109.htm"
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. How do chimp girls acquire dolls?

Chimp girls acquire dolls through either natural behavior, where they find objects that resemble dolls in their environment, or through human intervention, where dolls are provided for research or enrichment purposes.

2. Do chimp girls play with dolls differently than human girls?

Yes, chimp girls play with dolls in a different way than human girls. While human girls may use dolls for role-playing and nurturing, chimp girls primarily use dolls for exploration and manipulation.

3. What purpose does playing with dolls serve for chimp girls?

Playing with dolls allows chimp girls to develop motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and social skills. It also helps them to learn through imitation and gain an understanding of their environment.

4. Are there any differences in doll preferences among chimp girls?

Yes, there can be differences in doll preferences among chimp girls. Some may prefer soft, plush dolls while others may prefer hard, plastic dolls. Preferences may also vary based on size, shape, and color.

5. Can playing with dolls have any long-term effects on chimp girls?

There is no conclusive evidence on the long-term effects of playing with dolls on chimp girls. However, it is believed that doll play can contribute to the cognitive and social development of chimpanzees, which may have long-term benefits for their well-being.

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