Chimpanzees and Alcohol: A Natural Taste

A groundbreaking study has unveiled compelling evidence that wild chimpanzees routinely consume substantial quantities of alcohol through their consumption of fermented fruit. Researchers have quantified this intake at approximately 14 grams of ethanol daily, equivalent to nearly two UK units of alcohol or roughly one 330ml bottle of lager.

This discovery lends credence to the 'drunken monkey' hypothesis, initially proposed by Prof Robert Dudley of the University of California, Berkeley. This theory posits that the human predilection for alcohol is an evolutionary inheritance from our primate ancestors. The research team's findings suggest that our relationship with alcohol may extend back approximately 30 million years in evolutionary time.

Intriguingly, the study revealed that chimpanzees preferentially consume fruits with the highest alcohol content. This behavior potentially offers insights into the evolutionary advantages of alcohol consumption in primates. Prof Catherine Hobaiter of the University of St Andrews speculates that this shared consumption of fermented fruits might serve as a mechanism for social bonding among chimpanzees.

However, it's crucial to note that while the chimpanzees are ingesting alcohol, they are not consuming enough to become intoxicated. Dr Kimberley Hockings from the University of Exeter emphasizes that inebriation would be detrimental to their survival prospects. This research not only illuminates the dietary habits of our closest living relatives but also provides a fascinating perspective on the deep-rooted nature of human alcohol consumption.