Alcohol Consumption in Nature: A Common Phenomenon Among Animals

exeter - A recent study reveals that alcohol use is prevalent in almost every ecosystem on Earth, with many animals regularly consuming this intoxicating substance.

Researchers from the University of Exeter analyzed published evidence and found that ethanol became abundant on Earth approximately 100 million years ago when flowering plants started producing sugary fruits and nectar that could ferment yeast. The alcohol content is often low, around 1 to 2 percent alcohol per volume, but in overripe fruits, the concentration can reach up to 10 percent.

There are numerous examples of animals enjoying fermented fruits and nectar, such as chimpanzees in West Africa, spider monkeys in Panama, and elephants and baboons in Botswana. Some animals even appear to have an impressive alcohol tolerance and experience few to no adverse effects. However, others, like the Cedar Waxwing, can indeed experience the effects of intoxication.

We are moving away from the anthropocentric view that alcohol is only used by humans, said researcher Anna Bowland. Ethanol is actually quite abundant in nature, and many animals have adapted to its use.

The research team aims to further investigate in the future whether wild animals also have a preference for food with ethanol or only consume it when other options are scarce.