There are two male chimpanzees in an experiment: a dominant one and a subordinate one. The subordinate can see two caches of food, but the dominant can see only one. If chimpanzees have the capacity of theory of mind, which of the caches of food do you predict the subordinate chimp will attempt to acquire?
A) the one in view of the dominant chimpanzee
B) the one hidden from the dominant chimpanzee
C) The chimp would chose randomly between the two.
D) The subordinate chimp would fake to the invisible food, then snatch the visible food.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If chimpanzees have the capacity of theory of mind, the subordinate chimp would understand that the dominant chimp cannot see the cache of food hidden from its view. Therefore, the subordinate would attempt to acquire the food hidden from the dominant. This demonstrates an understanding of the concept of perspective-taking and suggests that chimpanzees may possess a rudimentary theory of mind.

There Are Two Male Chimpanzees in an Experiment: a Dominant