Chacma baboons in southern Africa show sibling rivalry, revealing possible evolutionary roots of jealousy and competition in primates.

New research shows that sibling rivalry, previously believed to be unique to humans, also occurs in chacma baboons in southern Africa. Scientists observed behaviors like aggression, competition for food and maternal attention, and social exclusion among siblings, suggesting jealousy and rivalry have evolutionary roots in primates. The findings highlight complex social dynamics in baboon groups and indicate that such behaviors may be shared across species, though the exact emotional experiences of baboons remain unclear.