Bonobos produce high-pitched 'baby-like' cries when they are attacked to attract comfort from others

Bonobos are our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, sharing about 98.7 per cent of our DNA - and it seem they have picked up a few human-like characteristics along the way. A new study has revealed that the apes produce high-pitched'baby-like' cries when they are attacked, in order to attract comfort from others. These displays of distress are strategic, increasing their chances of receiving consolation from bonobo bystanders, scientists claim. They resemble those typically used by infants - such as pouting, whimpering and showing tantrums. The study by psychologists at Durham University reveals that adult bonobos are also less likely to be re-attacked by their former opponent when they display these'baby-like' signals following a conflict.