Bumblebees and chimpanzees exhibit cumulative culture, learning complex skills from peers.

Bumblebees and chimpanzees can learn complex skills from their peers, which they could never master on their own, according to two new studies. This "cumulative culture" ability, once thought unique to humans, allows knowledge and skills to be passed down and improved through generations. This transfer of abilities has been credited with driving humanity's rise and domination of the world.