Question: A primatologist observes that a group of chimpanzees expands their communication network such that each individual communicates directly with 3 others. If the network forms a single connected loop with no branches, and there are 12 chimpanzees, how many unique communication pairs exist in the entire network?

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:31:47 +0000

**How Does Communication Flow in Chimpanzee Networks? The Math Behind the Loop** In a world where animal behavior offers profound insights into connectivity, a recent inquiry among primatologists reveals a fascinating social structure: a group of 12 chimpanzees where each communicates directly with exactly three others, forming a seamless chain-like loop—no branches, no gaps. This setup sparks curiosity not only about animal societies but also about the underlying patterns of connection that might mirror human networks. With cooperative dynamics shifting the way social groups function, understanding this network’s architecture sheds light on communication efficiency and social stability. Is there a mathematical truth hidden beneath these patterns? And if so, how many distinct communication links truly exist in such a network? --- ### Why This Question Sparks Interest Across the US