Humans often think of themselves as unique. But if we zoom out, we see that, like other animals, our behavior is influenced by evolution. One of our instincts kicks in when we face threats from outside: we bond closer with those in our group.
Researchers call this the “common enemy effect.” When we share a challenge, it strengthens our connections. It’s not only humans that do this; chimpanzees do too. Recent studies suggest that bonobos—our close relatives—do this as well, but in their own peaceful way. This shows how deeply social the bond between individuals can be, and it might reach back several million years to our common ancestors.
A team from Kyoto University explored this idea rooted in Darwin’s theories. They wondered if groups that unite under pressure perform better. This makes sense for competitive species, but bonobos are different. They’re not known for aggressive behavior, so the researchers asked: do they still bond in stressful situations?
Understanding Bonobos
Bonobos share about 98.7% of their DNA with us. Unlike chimpanzees, their communities are more cooperative. They live in female-led groups where relationships are crucial. Bonobos often use sexual behaviors to resolve conflicts and build connections. Their expressive faces and social nature make them seem almost human.
Bonobos in Stressful Situations
Researchers watched bonobos across eight groups in four countries. They played sounds of outside groups and observed the reactions. What did they find? The bonobos did notice the sounds. They became more alert and engaged in social behaviors like grooming. The increase in bonding was smaller than in chimpanzees, but it was still significant.
In contrast, when chimpanzees sense outsiders, they often react with aggression. Bonobos, however, focus on strengthening bonds rather than resorting to violence. This shows a different evolutionary strategy—one that emphasizes connection over conflict.
A Shared Evolutionary Path
Our common ancestor lived around 5-6 million years ago and may have faced group conflicts. As bonobos adapted to a less aggressive lifestyle, their instinct to bond during stressful times likely became more pronounced. According to the research team, while conflict is part of our history, it doesn’t determine our future. Other great apes have shown violent behaviors, but bonobos have steered clear of that path.
The Takeaway
Bonobos offer us insights into how social dynamics can shift. They remind us that while humans can easily slip into “us versus them” thinking, we also have the capacity to choose cooperation over conflict. As Shinya Yamamoto, a senior author of the study, notes, our evolutionary history doesn’t strip us of choices. We can learn from bonobos and choose connection even in challenging times.
This study shows us that while instinct plays a role, it doesn’t dictate our actions. Instead of succumbing to tribalism, we can remember the bonobos and opt for cooperation. For more on this study, check out the complete findings in the journal PLOS ONE.
Understanding these social behaviors can illuminate our own responses to conflict in various areas of life, from politics to personal relationships. So, the next time tensions rise, pause for a moment and think of how connection might be a better response.
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