Gorillas ape children in games of tag
Gorillas use unfair tactics when playing "children's games" in a bid to get the upper hand, scientists said today.
In the first study of its kind, Dr Marina Davila Ross, of the University of Portsmouth, has found that apes, like humans, will hit playmates then run away in order to gain a competitive advantage.
Dr said: "This study shows a new opportunistic side to apes. "Our findings on gorilla play show important similarities with the children's game of tag.
"Not only did the gorillas in our study hit their playmates and then run away chased by their playmates, but they also switched their roles when hit."