I think monkeys are brilliant, too. But wow, advanced hygiene skillz? Come on. They floss because there’s food stuck in there. Food!

Ah, this is where my parents failed. They taught me to floss themselves rather than having a monkey teach me. If a monkey had taught me, I’d be a much better flosser today.

I bet other animals would floss if they had the hands to do it. I wish we could train dogs to brush their teeth!

I wonder if it’s not for cleaning as much as a gum massage. They’re pretty good at it no matter what the reason! Macaques are awesome.

Well, aren’t you special, Estlin, if that’s your real name. Is your life vastly improved now that you’ve insulted someone over the internet? Cause that takes great courage.

Maybe they just had some popcorn, in which case flossing is a basic, primal NEED!

that cooooooooool

Only 2 species are known for cavities Bears and Us. Why? Sugar. Nothing else has sugar plus teeth. Unless of course you’re a monkey in the big city. Then you might die at a young age from cavities which cause infections and abscesses if untreated. That’s cool that this sugar-filled environment is naturally selecting for floss.

Michelle –

I caught that too and thought it sounded off. I’m no scientist, but I could have sworn I have heard of other instances of primates teaching their young how to use tools.

And speaking of other animals teaching their young, does anyone remember the story about some dolphins that taught their young how to use sponges to protect their snouts while foraging? I thought it was pretty cool. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/ID/8121399/

This is NOT the first evidence of monkeys teaching their young to use tools. Researchers have seen it going on for years. Primates are also not the only animals known to do it. I mean, come on. *grumble*

Sorry, I mean OMG that is cute look at the leetle baby do it.