Art of war: chimpanzees use the complex tactics described by Sun-Tzu

Scientists have found that primates use the extremely effective behavior described in the "art of war" - the treatise of the Chinese military general. "The one who takes the height will fight the advantage," said the Chinese general in his ancient treatise "The Art of War". Now scientists believe that this brilliant thought is likely to sleep not only people but also chimpanzees, writes The Guardian.

In a new study, scientists at the University of Cambridge have found that chimpanzees successfully use this tactic: primates are looking for heights to determine the number and closeness of other groups of animals, and then make a decision on retreat or offensive. In focus. Technology has appeared its Telegram channel.

Subscribe not to miss the latest and most intrusive news from the world of science! During the study, scientists watched the chimpanzee flocks in the D'IVARA and noticed that they adhere to this strategy: they occupy the heights for reconnaissance missions and occur if the opponents are far away or surpassed. According to the leading author of the study, a gaver Silven Lemuan, this military tactic has long been used by people.

Now scientists believe that the importance of rise could be deeply rooted in our evolutionary past. During observations, scientists noticed that the chimpanzees rise to the hill, then stop and study the situation, and then make decisions on further actions: either continue the path or retreat. Scientists believe that the height gives them more information about their neighbors, their number, and how far they are located.

During the study, the team watched two flocks of chimpanzees, each of which numbered 30-40 adults, between 2013 and 2016. Groups of animals lived in different territories about 5 to 7 kilometers, but sometimes they still crossed. In fact, the groups were constantly confronting to expand their territories. Scientists have noticed that the flocks did not move as a whole, they were broken into smaller units that controlled the borders of their territories.

In addition, individual groups also fulfilled reconnaissance missions in case of rapid seizure of land. In total, scientists have collected about 20,000 hours of records that have confirmed that chimpanzees are effectively using military tactics, which is also widespread in humans. The results of the study showed that after intelligence, the likelihood of promoting the enemy was 50%if the opponents were at least 500 meters away.