chimpanzees

Spanish paleontologist Juan Luis Arsuaga argues that corruption is an ancient, instinctive behavior, calling it 'very Paleolithic, very chimpanzee-like'. Drawing on his expertise in human evolution, he suggests tendencies toward abusing power for personal gain are deeply rooted in our primate ancestry rather than a modern invention.

A new study covering 83 cases across 15 chimpanzee and bonobo communities documents that mothers carry the bodies of their deceased infants for weeks, sometimes up to four months. Cases in which the infant died of disease show the longest carrying periods, as the transition from life to death is gradual. Researchers say the behaviour offers insight into how great apes respond to death and may inform understanding of grief-like responses.