Eating fallen fruit—or “scrumping”—plays a bigger part in many apes’ diets than scientists realized



Summary

A new study reveals that “scrumping,” or eating fallen fruit, is a significant dietary component for several ape species, challenging previous assumptions. Researchers observed orangutans, chimpanzees, and gorillas consuming fallen fruit more frequently than expected. This behavior allows apes to access carbohydrates and nutrients even when ripe fruit is scarce on trees, potentially impacting their social behavior and movement patterns. The findings highlight the importance of considering fallen fruit as a crucial, yet often overlooked, food source for understanding ape ecology and conservation efforts.

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