A scientist observing a group of spider monkeys noticed that the adult females often spend time picking leaves off of tree branches. The scientist hypothesizes that this behavior is caused by boredom. Is the scientist's hypothesis valid?

A. Yes, boredom is a likely explanation for the spider monkeys' behavior.

B. No, humans are the only organisms that experience boredom.

C. No, emotions of non-human organisms cannot be tested.

D. Yes, the hypothesis could be tested through a controlled experiment.

Question

Kaylin Ryan

Biology

8 May, 18:51

A scientist observing a group of spider monkeys noticed that the adult females often spend time picking leaves off of tree branches. The scientist hypothesizes that this behavior is caused by boredom. Is the scientist's hypothesis valid?

A. Yes, boredom is a likely explanation for the spider monkeys' behavior.

B. No, humans are the only organisms that experience boredom.

C. No, emotions of non-human organisms cannot be tested.

D. Yes, the hypothesis could be tested through a controlled experiment.

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Answers (1)

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Gianni Cardenas · Answer 1

D. Yes, the hypothesis could be tested through a controlled experiment.

Most mammals which is a more evolved class of animals in the animal kingdom has the neurological feature called the limbic system, the aforementioned structure is the anatomy which functions as the emotion system of the animals. Thus, it is plausible that such behavior of boredom is being elicited in the setting proposed above. And does animals have emotions? Some researchers suggest so but likely others suggest otherwise.