Even Monkeys are irrational this way (Score 2, Informative)

A recent study found that Monkeys exhibit some of the *same* (economically) irrational behaviors as humans. For example, monkeys which were happy to complete a task for cucumbers (a medium coolness reward) got pissed off and went on strike when they saw other monkeys getting a better reward (grapes) for the same work. This is a clear example of "irrational economic behavior": either you think a cucumber is adequate compensation for a unit of work, or you don't. The price that two other parties negotiate for a unit of work should make no difference to you. Of course, the reaction is very *understandable* - humans (and, apparently, other primates,) don't like getting ripped off. But it ain't 'rational'.

Oh, there's also discussion about this research in The Economist