In a groundbreaking 2005 experiment at Yale, researchers taught capuchin monkeys how to use tokens like currency—revealing surprising insights into primate economics. The monkeys learned to exchange tokens for food, showing behaviors like budgeting, risk-taking, and even gambling. But in one unplanned twist, a monkey exchanged a token for mating—a moment that sparked headlines worldwide. While isolated, it hinted at how quickly learned behaviors can extend into unexpected territory. This study revealed that economic instincts may run deeper in evolution than we ever imagined. #MonkeyEconomics #BehavioralScience #AnimalIntelligence #YaleStudy #CapuchinMonkeys #ScienceFacts