Toddlers share 96% of the same gestures as chimpanzees to communicate day-to-day requests

Toddlers use the same gestures as chimpanzees and gorillas showing they really are just'tiny apes', claim researchers. One to two year olds use 52 limb and body movements to communicate - nine in ten of which are observed in great apes. This is a crucial stage of development when infants are on the cusp of learning language, say Scottish scientists behind the findings. Toddlers use the same gestures as chimpanzees and gorillas showing they really are just'tiny apes', claim researchers. Senior author Dr Catherine Hobaiter, of the School of Psychology and Neuroscience at St Andrews University, said: 'Wild chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos and orangutans all use gestures to communicate their day-to-day requests.