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Wild chimpanzees have been found to consume an amount comparable of one beer's worth of ethanol each day from consuming fermented fruits, according to experts.

Experts suggest this supports the idea that humans may have gotten an attraction for alcohol from mutual primate predecessors who depended on overripe produce – a provider of both sugar and alcohol – for sustenance.

"The human inclination to ethanol probably arose from such nutritional ancestry of our common ancestor with chimpanzees," commented the lead study researcher.

Chimps, similar to numerous other species, are frequently seen consuming fermented fruits lying on the forest floor, but this is the pioneering study to accurately determine how considerable booze they are potentially consuming.

Investigation Techniques

The research team quantified the level of drinkable alcohol in fruits including certain fruits consumed in significant amounts by primates in parts of the continent.

According to the amount of fruit they normally eat, the chimps were ingesting approximately 14 grams of ethanol – equivalent to almost two alcohol measures, or approximately one small bottle of lager.

Produce most commonly eaten were those highest in ethanol levels.

The Alcohol Ancestry Idea

This study provides evidence to the often referred to as "drunken monkey" idea – the notion that the people's craving for ethanol was inherited from our primate ancestors.

The concept was first proposed previously by a researcher who now serves as a team member on this research.

Scientists were initially sceptical. But more observations of "fruit-eating primates" have been recorded in the past few years, as mentioned by a monkey specialist not involved with the study group.

"The insight we gain from the study is that human interaction with ethanol extends far back into ancient history, likely approximately 30 million years," added.

"Perhaps for chimps, this is an effective method to create social bonds, to spend time on the forest bottom, consuming fermented items."

Notable Limitations

It was important to note that the apes in this study were not taking in sufficient ethanol to get intoxicated. Had they consumed that much, "this would clearly harm their ability to survive," stated a separate researcher.

Chimpanzees are at present endangered, and the biggest threats they confront include the loss of their natural habitats to crop cultivation, logging and infrastructure development.

This study is featured in a research publication.