Pointing Primates: Sharing Knowledge ... Without Language

By FRANS B.M. DE WAAL

Most people have felt the need to warn companions at a party that the dreaded character X has just entered the room and is heading their way. In such a situation, you don't simply point or shout, even though those are natural inclinations. No, you raise your eyebrows at your companion, jerk your head a bit in the direction of the approaching X, and maybe purse your lips to warn your companion to be quiet. Clearly, humans point in multiple ways.

A chimpanzee named Nikkie once