Chimps Have Fashion Fads Too
pop up: to suddenly appear or happen
A group of chimpanzees in Zambia has started a very unusual fashion trend. They are putting grass and sticks into their ears—and even into their butts.
This trend is not new. Fifteen years ago, a female chimp named Julie began wearing grass in her ear. Other chimps copied her, and the habit continued even after she died. Now, a new group of chimps is doing the same, but with a surprising twist.
A male chimp named Juma started putting grass and sticks in his butt. After that, many other chimps in his group began doing the same. Some scientists believe they may be trying to attract the attention of other chimps to find a mate.
Other researchers think the ear behavior may have started by copying humans. Some human workers at the chimpanzee sanctuary clean their ears with grass. The chimps may have learned by watching them.
There may be more than one reason for this strange trend. Chimpanzees are a lot like people. They follow trends and like to try new things. As scientist Jake Brooker explained, “Like with all cultures, things change over time and they get refined and new quirks and new traditions pop up.”
Sample sentences
Problems can pop up when you least expect them, so it’s good to be ready.
A funny message popped up on my screen and made me laugh.
I like how good ideas sometimes pop up when I go for a walk in nature.
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Chimps are sticking grass and sticks in their butts, seemingly as a fashion trend