A sense of fairness separates apes and humans from other animals and evolved to promote the benefits of long-term co-operation, experts claim.
Two US scientists came to the conclusion after studying the “evolutionary puzzle” for more than 10 years. While monkeys and dogs became upset when treated unfairly, only humans and their great ape cousins voluntarily allowed themselves to be disadvantaged in the interests of fair play.
This is not a purely altruistic trait, according to the researchers. Rather, it is the result of wanting to avoid negative “pay back” from a dissatisfied partner and ensure future co-operation.
Boutique owner under fire
The owner of a Malvern boutique called Isis has been left astonished at terrorist slurs.
Jill Campbell was dumbfounded she now has to assure people the shop is not linked to Islamic State fanatics Isis, after rumours started on social media. She and her staff have been subject to “ridiculous and ill-advised” comments from passers-by linking the shop with the terrorist group behind the beheading of journalists and aid-workers.
Ms Campbell told Worcester News: “This is happening thousands of miles away, and yet my business in Malvern is being targeted, it’s bizarre. I can’t believe I have to do this, but I want to make it clear I do not in any way, nor does this business, have any affiliation with, or support for, this vile terrorist group in the Middle East.”
New arrival means sleepless nights
Scarlet, a pudu fawn at Edinburgh Zoo, has been giving her keepers sleepless nights with her around-the-clock feeds.
The South American deer lost her mother when she was two-and-a-half weeks old but enamoured zoo staff stepped in to care for the tiny fawn.
For the first month, keepers doted on Scarlet after which she was slowly reintroduced to her dad. Hoofstock keeper Liah Etemad said: “We were all delighted how well it went and the two were soon cuddled up together in the evenings and he maintains a watchful eye over her during the day.”
Man charged over company calls
A Pennsylvania man has been charged with making three 911 calls to report bogus emergencies simply because he was lonely and wanted paramedics to show up.
Gregory Shaffer, 52, was jailed after his arraignment on charges of making false reports to authorities, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported.
Penn Township police said Shaffer called Westmoreland County’s 911 centre three times over about four hours on July 30 with various false complaints.
The first time, Shaffer claimed he had fallen down some stairs and injured his head and neck. Paramedics say they found him intoxicated but otherwise well and calmly waiting inside his home.
Drunk as a skunk
A skunk with a beer can stuck on its head had to be rescued near a fraternity house in south-western Ohio.
Oxford police said a resident called them about the skunk’s predicament and officers found the animal banging around trying to get the can off and running into shrubs.
Skunks are known for the offensive spray they can emit when threatened but an animal control officer was able to free the creature without getting sprayed. The animal was then released.