Wow.
Wild chimpanzees use more than twice the number of gestures to communicate than previously thought, scientists have said.
The animals have at least 66 different mannerisms that they use to talk to each other, according to researchers from the University Of St Andrews in Scotland.
It was previously thought that chimpanzees had just 30 distinct gestures, although this figure was arrived at following observations of animals in captivity.
The study suggests that there is a common system of communication across the species, as opposed to there being individual gestures for each group.
Not only that, but there is a significant overlap in signals used by gorillas and orangutans.
Scientists have previously shown that chimpanzees comfort the victims of bullies with a consoling hug and a reassuring peck on the cheek to help lower stress levels.
It was found that chimps comfort each other after fighting and are less stressed after a cuddle.
We should try that!
[Image via WENN.]
