Factors influencing curiosity in wild orangutans and other species: A comprehensive analysis
A study conducted in the Gunung Leuser National Park in Indonesia investigated the factors influencing curiosity in wild orangutans. The researchers tested the impact of age-sex classes, the presence of association partners, and prevailing habitat food availability on novelty responses and exploratory tendencies. They found that immature orangutans showed higher levels of neophilia and exploration, while the presence of association partners reduced neophobia and increased neophilia and exploration. Additionally, low food availability in the habitat led to increased exploratory tendencies, decreased neophobia, and increased neophilia. The study provides insights into the factors influencing curiosity in wild orangutans and contributes to our understanding of the evolution of complex cognition.