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Chimpanzees Consume Ethanol: A Surprising Evolutionary Advantage?

9/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study of chimpanzees in Uganda and Côte d’Ivoire finds ethanol in fruit diets.
Researchers estimate 14 grams of ethanol daily, equivalent to 1.4 United States standard drinks.
When adjusted for body mass, this equals 2.2–2.6 human drinks per day; no inebriation observed.
The study suggests ethanol consumption may offer evolutionary advantages and calls for further research.

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Story summary

A study of chimpanzees in Uganda and Côte d’Ivoire finds ethanol in fruit diets.
Researchers estimate 14 grams of ethanol daily, equivalent to 1.4 United States standard drinks.
When adjusted for body mass, this equals 2.2–2.6 human drinks per day; no inebriation observed.
The study suggests ethanol consumption may offer evolutionary advantages and calls for further research.