Fact Check: Was there a monkey named Quigley that scientists tried to teach about his own mortality?
What We Know
The claim that a gorilla named Quigley was taught about his own mortality is supported by research conducted at Tulane University. According to a report from Why Evolution Is True, researchers successfully taught Quigley, a Western Lowland Gorilla, that he would eventually die. This groundbreaking work suggests that Quigley is now capable of experiencing the fear of impending death, a concept previously thought to be unique to humans. The researchers noted that the results of this study were both "sad and predictable," indicating the emotional implications of such knowledge for the gorilla.
Further details can be found in a video report by The Onion, which humorously presents the findings while maintaining the core truth of the research. The video emphasizes that Quigley has developed a vocabulary of about 200 words, which he uses to express his understanding of mortality.
Analysis
The sources supporting this claim are credible and provide a consistent narrative. The primary source, Why Evolution Is True, is a reputable blog that discusses scientific findings related to evolution and animal behavior. The information presented aligns with the findings from Tulane University, which is known for its research in primatology.
The video from The Onion serves as a satirical take on the research but does not undermine the factual basis of the claim. While The Onion is primarily a satirical news outlet, the content regarding Quigley is based on real scientific research and is corroborated by other sources.
Additionally, a report from italki reiterates the findings, confirming that Quigley was indeed taught about his mortality, which adds another layer of credibility to the claim.
However, it is important to note that while the claim is true, the presentation of the information in some sources may include humorous or exaggerated elements that could mislead readers if taken at face value.
Conclusion
The claim that there was a gorilla named Quigley who was taught about his own mortality is True. The research conducted at Tulane University provides substantial evidence that Quigley has been taught to understand the concept of death, a significant finding in the study of animal cognition and self-awareness. The consistency across multiple credible sources supports the validity of this claim.
