Eye-opening results
The research team compared the darkness of the sclerae contrasted with irises of over 150 humans, bonobos and chimpanzees. The researchers found that bonobos, like humans, have paler sclerae and darker irises. Chimpanzees were found to have a different pattern — with very dark sclerae, and paler irises. Both of these colour patterns show the same type of contrast seen in human eyes, and could help other apes find out where they are looking.
“Humans are unique in many ways, as no other animal can communicate with similar intricate language or build tools of such complexity. Gaze following is an important component of many behaviours that are thought to be characteristically human, so our findings suggest that apes might also engage in these behaviours,” said Mr Perea-García.
Doctoral student Mr Juan O. Perea-García (front) and Associate Professor Antónia Monteiro (back) from NUS Biological Sciences suggest that apes may follow each other’s gaze like humans
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n able to say, “Look over there!”. However, a look in the direction of the predator might be sufficient, as long as it was possible to follow the direction of their gaze.
Apart from helping us understand how our ancestors communicated, this study suggests some interesting new research directions. These include questions pertaining to why human beings and bonobos evolve in a similar way, despite bonobos being more closely related to chimpanzees.
Doctoral student Mr Juan O. Perea-García (front) and Associate Professor Antónia Monteiro (back) from NUS Biological Sciences suggest that apes may follow each other’s gaze like humans
Furthering our ancestral understanding
Before humans had language, our ancestors might have used the gaze of those around them to help communicate dangers or other useful information. They might not have been able to say, “Look over there!”. However, a look in the direction of the predator might be sufficient, as long as it was possible to follow the direction of their gaze.
Apart from helping us understand how our ancestors communicated, this study suggests some interesting new research directions. These include questions pertaining to why human beings and bonobos evolve in a similar way, despite bonobos being more closely related to chimpanzees.
My response
This is very exciting research and will go towards developing house sign language workshop. Allowing participants to engage in direction gazing and raising their awareness of this skill that is probably unknown to them could harness new abilities .It is encouraging to know that researchers are finding even more behaviours and evolutionary similarities.
Bonobo Experience 