Wild Chimpanzees' Fermented Fruit Binge Raises Questions on Human Alcoholism Origins

Wild Chimpanzees' Fermented Fruit Consumption Raises Questions About Origins of Human Alcoholism A recent study published by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, has found that wild chimpanzees in Africa consume significant amounts of ethanol through their diet, sparking debate about the origins of human alcoholism. The research, led by Aleksey Maro, suggests that these primates may be getting mildly intoxicated from fermented fruit. According to the study, the chimps' consumption of ethanol is equivalent to two glasses of wine per day, taking into account their body size compared to humans. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of how humans developed a taste for alcohol. "We've long known that primates, including chimpanzees, consume fermented fruit and other vegetation," said Maro in an interview. "But this study is the first to quantify just how much ethanol they're consuming." The researchers collected fruits from two locations where wild populations of eastern and western chimpanzees live: Ngogo, Uganda, and the Taï Chimpanzee Project in Ivory Coast. They measured the alcohol content of these fruits and compared it to human consumption patterns. "This study provides valuable insights into the evolution of human behavior," said Dr. Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist and conservationist. "It's fascinating to think that our ancestors may have been influenced by their primate predecessors in developing a taste for fermented beverages." The concept of the "drunken monkey hypothesis" has been around for some time, suggesting that humans' affinity for alcohol may be linked to our shared evolutionary history with primates. While this study does not prove causality, it certainly provides compelling evidence to support this idea. Maro's team is now working on further research to explore the implications of their findings. "We're interested in understanding how this consumption affects chimpanzees' behavior and social dynamics," he said. As we continue to learn more about our primate cousins, we may uncover new insights into human behavior and the origins of complex traits like alcoholism. Background: Chimpanzees are one of our closest living relatives, sharing around 98.8% of their DNA with humans. They are known to consume a variety of fruits, including those that are fermented or contain high levels of ethanol. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Maro's research has sparked debate among experts in the field. Some argue that the findings may have implications for human health and behavior, while others caution against drawing too many conclusions from this single study. Current Status and Next Developments: The study is currently available online in a peer-reviewed journal. Maro's team is continuing to collect data on chimpanzee consumption patterns and exploring the potential applications of their research for human health and conservation efforts. As we continue to explore the complexities of primate behavior, one thing is clear: our understanding of ourselves and our place in the natural world is constantly evolving. *Reporting by Newscientist.*