Bonobos have human-like sense of disgust: Study

Tokyo : Bonobos lose their appetite if they experience disgust just like humans, according to a study which found that their curiosity transforms into caution when food is presented with faeces, soil or bad smells. In a series of experiments, bonobos were presented with different food choices involving novel food items: foods contaminated with faeces or soil; chains of food items linked to a contaminant; previously contaminated food; or only the odours of faeces or rotting food.

It was found that although bonobos happily gobbled up clean food, they steadfastly avoided anything contaminated. Moreover, their sensitivity to contamination risk seemed to wane the farther away a food item was located from the source of contamination. Another experiment showed that bonobos are less likely to engage in exploratory activities like touching and tasting substrates, or even using tools to achieve a goal when confronted with 'bad' smells.