Monkeys Share Our Geometric Smarts

Our geometric intuition, once thought to be uniquely human, appears to be shared with other primates. A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicates that monkeys can understand abstract geometric concepts like symmetry and parallel sides. This ability allows them to recognize shapes regardless of size or orientation, a skill previously considered a hallmark of human cognition.

The research team hypothesized that humans might not be as unique in their mathematical understanding as previously believed. To test this, they designed a simple shape-matching task suitable for participants with varying cognitive levels. Eight rhesus macaques and olive baboons were tested alongside preschool-aged children and adults from different educational backgrounds.

This experiment aimed to ascertain if human geometric abilities are innate or learned. By comparing the performance of monkeys and young children, researchers could explore innate advantages. Similarly, differences in adult performance based on schooling could reveal learned components of geometric reasoning. The findings suggest a shared cognitive foundation for understanding shapes across species.