Translating numbers into colors may explain an animal’s apparent memory trick

By Stephen Ornes

Web edition: July 6, 2012

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Chimp proves a whiz at a number memory game.

Credit: T. Matsuzawa, Primate Research Institute

Whatever you do, don’t challenge a chimpanzee named Ayumu to a number memory game.  

In 2007, Ayumu became famous for his lightning speed at a game that goes like this: A player views a computer screen where the numbers 1 through 9 appear briefly at once and then turn to white squares. The player then taps the squares where the numbers had been, in order from 1 to 9. People can do it. But no human competitor has ever completed the game faster or more accurately than Ayumu. Now scientists think they may know the secret to the chimp's success.

Visit the new Science News for Kids website and read the full story: Chimp’s gift for numbers