Hu – man – i – ty

Definition: 1. Humans considered as a group; the human race.

2. The condition or quality of being human.

3. The quality of being humane; benevolence

4. A humane characteristic, attribute, or act; mercy,

                                                                                         compassion

When we dig into the past to examine human origins, what is often looked for is indications of humanity. It is believed to be a trait uniquely linked to being human, traits which have previously created a barrier between ourselves and animals.

Psychologist Sarah Bronsan of Georgia State University intends to find out whether or not humanely traits can be found in other species. Working with Capuchin Monkeys;

She argues that traits like fairness and curiosity are essential for any social animals to survive and live together.

Capuchin Monkeys are one of the most intelligent new world monkey species, and as such have been extensively studied in the wild, but also in captivity. The species are one of few monkey species which have been documented to make and use tools in the wild. Tools are predominantly made and used to access certain foods, but there have also been documented cases during the mosquito season where Capuchins will crush millipedes and use the remnants as a form of insect repellent.
But what Bronsan wants to examine is the extent of social complexities within the Capuchin species. Conducting a series of experiments aimed at fairness, Bronsan documented how Capuchins reacted when one individual was given a slice of healthy cucumber, while another was given a scrumptious grape. While both monkeys received the cucumber treat, no problems were observed. However, when one individual was given a grape instead, the other monkey reacted as many of us would if we found out our colleague was getting a $5000 bonus for performing the same tasks. In other words, the monkey went apeshit!

Sorry. Couldn’t help myself.

But similar reactions have been demonstrated in the past. Check out this clip, where a Capuchin gets cheated in a game of blackjack.

Many animals have a sense of fairness. My two dogs for instance. Anyone with two dogs will surely be able to tell you that you can’t give one a piece of carrot, while giving the other a nice juicy steak. Riots ensue.
Of course there is still the argument of how being in captivity has influenced the behaviour of the Capuchins in this study. But undoubtedly, Bronsan and many others have shown that animals do share some of the same complex social rules as humans. The extent of which these social rules and humanely traits overlap, will likely be examined more thoroughly in the future.