Dizzy apes provide clues about human desire for mind-altering experiences, researchers suggest

Dizzy apes provide clues to mind-altering experiences

Great apes deliberately spin around in order to make themselves dizzy, researchers have discovered.

Dizzy apes provide clues on human need for mind-altering experience

The study is based on the observations of online videos in which great apes – gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans – spin to deliberately make themselves dizzy

Dizzy apes provide clues on human need for mind altering experiences

Great apes deliberately spin themselves in order make themselves dizzy - findings which could provide clues about the role of altered mental states for origins of the human mind.

Apes Making Themselves Dizzy Could Show How We Evolved The Urge To Lose Control

Humans aren't the only primate messing around with their state of mind for fun.

Dizzy apes provide clues on human need for mind-altering experience

‘The parallel between what the apes were doing and what humans do was beyond coincidental’

Dizzy apes provide clues about human desire for mind-altering experiences, researchers suggest

The study compared spinning speeds and found the animals can spin while holding a rope as fast as professional human dancers and circus artists - as well as Dervish Muslims who take part in whirling ceremonies in order to achieve a spiritual trance.