Life

Monkeys in Bali have Learned to Steal High-Priced Items

Thieving monkeys in Bali have evolved to where they can recognize valuable objects from cheap items — and they steal the valuable stuff so they can trade it for food.

That’s according to a study published in Thursday’s edition of the Royal Society science journal. Researchers say the monkeys have taken to stealing items such as cell phones and other electronic gadgets, refusing to give them back until the owner offered food in exchange.

The authors say the monkeys display an “unprecedented economic decision-making processes” in selecting which items to steal.

If primates continue to evolve, could they live alongside people some day?

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