Spider monkey eating fruit in Panama (IMAGE)

University of California - Berkeley

Spider monkey eating fruit in Panama

Caption

A new study of black-handed spider monkeys in Panama shows that they seek out and eat fruit that is ripe enough to have fermented, containing as much as 2% ethanol. The results shed light on the theory that the human inclination to drink alcohol may have its roots in our ancient ancestors’ affinity to consume fermenting but nutritious fruit.

Credit

Victoria Weaver/CSUN

Usage Restrictions

none

License

Original content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.