Why Studying Primate Disgust is Essential for Understanding Human Psychology

🙊Studying primates' feelings of disgust helps us understand how we developed a protective response to potential sources of infection.

👃The sense of smell plays a crucial role in primates' aversion to certain substances and objects.

🧡Primates exhibit different behaviors towards objects on real feces compared to objects on clean surfaces.

🤔The aversive response to potential sources of infection may be an evolutionary advantage in maintaining a lower risk of infection.

🍌Primates demonstrate a strong sense of disgust when presented with potential sources of infection, even when tempted by their favorite treats.

How does studying primate disgust help us understand human psychology?

—By comparing our behaviors to those of other primates, we can uncover what we have maintained, lost, or changed as our brains diverged.

What role does the sense of smell play in primate aversion to certain substances?

—The sense of smell plays a crucial role in primates' aversion to potential sources of infection or contamination.

How do primates behave differently towards objects on real feces?

—Primates exhibit clear aversion and avoidance behaviors when objects are on real feces compared to when they are on clean surfaces.

What is the advantage of having a strong aversive response to potential sources of infection?

—The aversive response may help to reduce the risk of infection and increase overall health and survival.

Do primates prioritize their sense of disgust over their desire for food?

—Yes, primates demonstrate a strong sense of disgust even when tempted by their favorite treats, indicating the importance of avoiding potential infection.

00:08Being impressed by the cognitive abilities of a chimpanzee can help us learn about our own evolutionary history.

01:01Studying primates' responses to disgust and aversion provides insights into how we have evolved to avoid potential sources of infection.

04:40Primates demonstrate different behaviors towards objects on real feces compared to objects on clean surfaces.

05:15A strong aversive response to potential sources of infection may have evolutionary advantages in reducing the risk of infection.

08:27Primates exhibit a clear sense of disgust and aversion even when tempted by their favorite treats.