Chimpanzees [File?photo]?

U.S. researchers said on Monday that female chimpanzees like to spontaneously help others rather than act selfishly, suggesting altruism may not be a uniquely human trait, AFP reports.

Scientists at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center tested seven female chimpanzees to see if observations of the species' generous behavior in the field matched their decisions in a lab.

Given a choice of two colored tokens, one which guaranteed a banana treat for two and the other which gave a reward for the chooser only, the chimps tended to pick the social option. The researchers also found that chimps most often acted generously when the waiting partner reminded the chooser gently of her presence but did not act up or bully her into picking a treat for two.