October 01, 2025
Researchers at Swansea University, UK, have found that baboons’ relationships with each other determine the structure of their lines while walking. Researchers previously thought that factors such as safeguarding weaker baboons, survival techniques or leadership influenced the arrangement in which baboons walked. However, a study on chacma baboons or cape baboons in South Africa found that the baboons with strong social connections were at the group’s centre, while those with fewer ties were either at the end or beginning of the arrangement. Thus, the study demonstrates that baboons like to move with their companions.
DID YOU KNOW?
A group of baboons is called a troop. There can be several hundred baboons in such a troop.
ACTIVITY: Follow the Leader
Name any 5 animals that march in a single line.
