Humans Love Having Pets. Seems Like Some Other Primates Do, Too.

Live updates

1. 22d ago

   Dogs Process Human Emotions Differently Based on Sentiment

   Dogs can distinguish between human emotions, including negative ones, according to MRI study results. These animals process positive and negative facial expressions differently and can tell the difference between anger, sadness, and fear. This evidence of emotional intelligence complements existing research into animal inner lives, such as empathy observed in baboons. While some humans prefer the company of pets over other people, the biological ability of dogs to interpret human distress highlights a sophisticated cognitive link between the two species.

   Why it matters

   Previous research indicated that primates share a primate-past drive to keep animal companions. Understanding the cognitive capabilities of these pets helps explain the strength of the human-animal bond.

   What is confirmed

   • Dogs process positive and negative human emotions differently.
   • Dogs can distinguish between fearful faces and those showing anger or sadness.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Baboons exhibit empathy.
   • Lobsters experience pain.

   What to watch next

   • Further MRI studies on other domestic pets to determine if emotional recognition is unique to dogs.
   • Comparative studies on whether primates recognize emotions in their chosen animal companions.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.smithsonianmag.com — Scientists Gave Dogs MRIs and Learned That They’re Surprisingly Good at Distinguishing Between Human Emotions, Even Some Negative Ones
   2. whyy.org — What’s Really Going On Inside Animals’ Heads?
   3. www.discoverwildlife.com — It moves like a cat, climbs like a primate and spends much of its time high up in trees — meet the world's strangest dog
   4. www.yourtango.com — People Who Prefer Cats & Dogs To Their Fellow Humans Usually Say 7 Phrases In Casual Conversation
   confidence 90%
2. 26d ago

   Primates Also Keep Pets, Study Finds

   Research has found that primates, like humans, interact with and keep other animals as companions. Recorded instances show 427 interactions between primates and other animals, from mice to deer. These interactions include care and play, suggesting a deeper evolutionary connection to keeping pets. The study indicates that the roots of wanting a pet companion may stretch deep into our primate past.

   Why it matters

   This discovery provides insight into human behavior and the origins of keeping pets. For centuries, humans have kept pets, but the reasons behind this behavior are not fully understood. Studying primates and their interactions with other animals can help researchers understand the evolutionary basis of this behavior.

   What is confirmed

   • Primates interact with other animals, including mice and deer.
   • 427 instances of primates interacting with other animals have been recorded.
   • The roots of wanting a pet companion may stretch deep into our primate past.

   What to watch next

   • Further study of primate behavior and interactions with other animals.
   • Analysis of the reasons behind primates keeping pets.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. The New York Times — Humans Love Having Pets. Seems Like Some Other Primates Do, Too.
   2. New Scientist — What primates tell us about the evolutionary origins of keeping pets
   3. ua.news — Researchers recorded 427 instances of primates interacting with other animals
   4. Smithsonian Magazine — Do Monkeys Keep Pets? Study Finds Widespread Primate Interactions With Other Animal Species, From Mice to Deer
   5. Межа. Новини України. — Young Chimpanzees Display Rare Cross-Species Care Toward a Red-Tailed Monkey
   6. facebook.com — A new study suggests that we are not the only animals that like to take care of other species. The roots of wanting a pet companion may stretch deep into our primate past. https://nyti.ms/3Sk3d1v
   confidence 90%