Friday, May 09, 2003

My colleague David and I were recently engaged in a heated debate: Could a chimpanzee be able to dress himself in an old-timey bathing suit? (That is, assuming it buttons up the front, and that he has a human helper to button his buttons.) He argues that, though very intelligent, a chimp could not navigate his way through such a complicated garment. I believe, however, that as humans we greatly underestimate animals (except dogs, whom we expect to do our taxes), and that a chimp could fit himself into the suit if given a demonstration and enough time (and maybe a peanut M&M waiting for him at the end of his trial).

posted by Rebecca C. Brown at 5:57 PM

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