In One Study, Orangutans Imitated the Behavior of Both Humans

In one study, orangutans imitated the behavior of both humans and other orangutans, but they were more likely toimitate high-status or dominant models than low-statusmodels. The orangutans were also more likely to imitatemodels with whom they had close relationships, such asbiological parents, siblings, or their human caregivers. Human strangers were virtually never imitated. This study illustratesthat positive punishment factors seem to play a role in observational learning in primates, just as with humans.