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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

Assessing Spatial Learning and Memory in Small Squamate Reptiles

Assessing Spatial Learning and Memory in Small Squamate Reptiles

Published on: January 3, 2017

Chimpanzees and bonobos exhibit divergent spatial memory development.

Alexandra G Rosati¹, Brian Hare

¹Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA. alexandra.rosati@duke.edu

Developmental Science

|October 31, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Chimpanzee spatial memory is better than bonobos, with development seen only in chimpanzees. This suggests bonobos may have delayed cognitive development, or paedomorphism, in spatial abilities compared to chimpanzees.

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The (Spatial) Memory Game: Testing the Relationship Between Spatial Language, Object Knowledge, and Spatial Cognition

The (Spatial) Memory Game: Testing the Relationship Between Spatial Language, Object Knowledge, and Spatial Cognition

Published on: February 19, 2018

Area of Science:

Primate cognitive development
Comparative psychology
Neuroscience

Background:

Spatial cognition and memory are crucial for primate foraging.
Human child development of these skills is well-studied, but nonhuman ape ontogeny is less understood.
Comparative studies of apes can reveal shared vs. unique aspects of human spatial development.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate spatial memory development in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (P. paniscus).
To compare spatial memory abilities between these closely related species.
To explore potential differences in cognitive development and paedomorphism.

Main Methods:

Three studies were conducted comparing spatial memory in chimpanzees and bonobos.
Study 1 & 2: Naturalistic foraging task with hidden resources in an outdoor enclosure.
Study 3: Matched memory choice paradigm with older apes.

Main Results:

Chimpanzees demonstrated superior spatial memory compared to bonobos across tasks.
Developmental improvements in spatial memory were observed in chimpanzees, but not bonobos.
Bonobos exhibited cognitive paedomorphism, showing delayed spatial ability development relative to chimpanzees.

Conclusions:

Spatial memory development can vary significantly even between closely related ape species.
Cognitive changes in the spatial domain occur during nonhuman ape ontogeny.
Findings shed light on the evolutionary trajectory of spatial cognition in the primate lineage.