Biology
How Environmental Enrichment Affects Cognitive Development in Captive Great Apes
Quick fact
Captive great apes housed in enriched environments show measurable cognitive improvements, such as better performance on problem-solving tasks and increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus, compared to those in barren enclosures.
Why this is interesting
You've seen apes in zoos—some seem to stare blankly, while others eagerly solve puzzles for treats. Why does their environment make such a difference?