A new study suggests that chimpanzees can weigh evidence and make rational judgments. In the experiment, researchers placed two boxes in front of the chimpanzees. One box was set up to give strong evidence, such as letting the chimpanzees actually see food inside. The other was designed to provide weak evidence, like producing a rattling sound when it was shaken. The chimps consistently chose the box with strong evidence, even when the weaker clue appeared first. This indicated that they were not fooled by the order of presentation.
In another trial where no strong evidence was available, the chimps still chose the box with weak auditory clues rather than a box with no information at all. This behavior suggests they were not guessing but using logical reasoning to select the better-supported option.
The chimps could also recognize when strong evidence had lost its persuasive power and adjust their choices accordingly. At first, they selected the box that visually appeared to contain food. However, after the researchers revealed that the “food” was just a picture of an apple, the chimps switched to the other box, guided by the rattling sound inside.
Photos: IVY ENGLISH I 照片：IVY ENGLISH
The study has drawn attention in the field of animal cognition. The chimps’ ability to judge evidence and revise decisions implies a higher level of thinking than previously assumed. Researchers believe these skills could have an origin in the shared ancestor of modern primates. This raises the possibility that related species could also show similar reasoning, which could be explored in future studies.
一項新研究顯示黑猩猩能夠權衡證據並做出合理判斷。實驗中，研究人員在黑猩猩面前放置兩個盒子。一個盒子被設計成能提供強而有力的證據，例如讓黑猩猩實際看到裡頭的食物。另一個盒子則設計來提供弱證據，例如盒子搖晃時發出碰撞聲。黑猩猩始終選擇強證據的盒子，即使較弱的線索先出現也是如此。這表明牠們並沒有受呈現順序所迷惑。
在另一項沒有提供強證據的試驗中，黑猩猩仍選了帶有聽覺線索弱證據的盒子，而不是完全沒有資訊線索的盒子。這種行為顯示牠們並非在猜測，而是運用邏輯推理來選擇較有說服力的選項。
Photos: IVY ENGLISH I 照片：IVY ENGLISH
在有力證據失去說服力的時候，黑猩猩也能察覺並據此調整牠們的選擇。起初，牠們選擇看起來裝有食物的盒子。然而，當研究人員揭露「食物」只是一張蘋果的圖片後，黑猩猩便改選另一個盒子，這是基於盒子裡發出的碰撞聲而做的選擇。
這項研究在動物認知領域引起關注。黑猩猩能夠判斷證據並修正決定，這代表牠們的思維水準比先前所認為的還要高。研究人員認為這些技能可能起源於現代靈長類的共同祖先。這表示其他近緣物種也可能展現出類似的推理能力，值得在未來的研究中進行探討。
Words in Use
1. evidence n. 證據（不可數）
The scientists gathered enough evidence to prove that the theory was correct.
這些科學家蒐集了足夠的證據來證明該理論是正確的。
2. consistently adv. 一致∕一貫地
Emily studies consistently, so she always gets good grades on her exams.
艾蜜莉始終很用功讀書，所以考試總是拿到好成績。
3. presentation n. 呈現，展示
Jill’s presentation of her passport at the border went smoothly.
吉兒在邊境出示護照時一切順利。
4. behavior n. 行為
The park ranger observed the feeding behavior of the horses.
那名公園管理員觀察馬匹的進食行為。
5. logical a. 邏輯的
Kevin used logical reasoning to prove that his idea was correct.
凱文使用邏輯推論來證明他的想法是正確的。
Practical Phrases
1. set up. . . / set. . . up 安排∕設置……
Maria helped her mother set up chairs for the garden party.
瑪麗亞幫媽媽設置花園派對用的椅子。
2. draw attention (to sb/sth)
引起（對某人∕某事物的）關注
Steve shouted loudly to draw attention to the danger ahead.
史蒂夫大聲喊叫以吸引大家注意前方的危險。
What Did You Learn?
1. What is one example of weak evidence included in the experiments?
2. According to the study, where might chimps’ reasoning skills have come from?
參考答案 :
1. A rattling sound produced when a box was shaken.
2. These skills could be traced back to the shared ancestor of modern primates.
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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