About half of humans can recognize gestures from apes even without context, according to a study published Tuesday.
Researchers at the University in St. Andrews in Scotland showed 5,656 participants videos of chimpanzees and bonobos making 10 of their most frequently used gestures, including raising their arms, which could signal grooming or hunger; shaking an object, which could signal sex; and touching, which could mean “climb on my back” or “give me that food.”
About 2,700 people were shown only videos, while the rest were given additional context and information.
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