Chimpanzees grooming. Credit: MPI for Evolutionary Anthropology A pioneering project led by researchers from the University of Stirling and the Max Planck Institute has opened the door for new insights into the evolutionary origins of human intelligence, by compiling the largest dataset of great ape cognition available globally. Studying great ape cognition, how the animals think, learn, and understand the world, is crucial for understanding the foundations of human cognitive abilities. However, work is often hindered by small sample sizes and restricted access to data. Researchers at almost 100 institutions supported the creation of the Max Planck Institute EVApeCognition Dataset—with high hopes that the resource could enhance scientific understanding of how human intelligence has evolved. The manuscript EVApeCognition: An 18-year dataset of great ape cognition is published in Scientific Data , with a dedicated GitHub repository also launched containing the data. Psychologist Dr.…