In the modern lexicon of primatology, a question remains quite literal: Can our genetically close relatives, the apes, actually pose a question? Recent discussions orbit this query, as decades of endeavours into ape-human communication have bore fruit, with apes learning hundreds of sign language signs, yet showing no inclination to inquire in return. So, the challenge remains — understanding whether this behavioral absence is innate or simply not yet unlocked.

According to the Koko Gorilla Foundation, apes have been known to develop extensive sign language vocabularies, engaging in nuanced discussions about their feelings and memories. Despite this, they have never taken the step to ask about our experiences or even their own—a behavior so innately human that toddlers wield it with relentless curiosity. In the 1970s, researchers David Premack and Ann James Premack attempted to decipher this enigma. They concluded that it was easier for apes like Sarah to respond than to pose questions, as reported by GreaterGood. Even when scientists intentionally altered Sarah's environment, she never asked, "Where is my food?" or anything similar, marking a stark contrast to the omnipresent "Why?" phase seen in children.

Deeper dives into efforts surrounding other characters in the ape lexicon, such as Washoe and Koko, who communicated with sign language, echo similar findings. They displayed impressive vocabularies and emotional depth, with Koko's range hitting the thousands of words. These studies shed light on the complex mesh of cognition found in apes, yet the act of questioning — that golden chalice of language — remains elusive.

Dissenters exist in the academic world, with some experts strongly advocating that apes do, in fact, ask questions, albeit in different ways. Professor Heidi Lyn from the University of South Alabama observed that "there is plenty of evidence of apes asking questions," though not in a form we readily recognize, as noted by Snopes. Similarly, Professor Cat Hobaiter posited that ape inquiry could be as simple as a gesture—a point, a look—silently yet profoundly conveying, "What about that banana?"

Yet, historical context provided by Britannica emphasizes the inherent capability of apes like chimpanzees for sophisticated problem-solving and symbolic recognition, a stepping stone for abstract thought. Communication, be it triumphant roars or delicate grooming gestures, is rich in the wild; and their tool use reflects both innovation and cultural learning. These apes demonstrated a cultural transmission of knowledge, a feat that edges precariously close to the cognitive complexity required for interrogative thought.

So the conversation continues, with both supporters and skeptics weighing in on whether questioning is a uniquely human trait or another bridge still to be crossed in understanding our evolutionary cousins. What we do know is that the intelligence and complexity of these prime relatives are undeniable, and the missing link of interspecies interrogation may just be waiting for its Rosetta Stone moment in primate research. Meanwhile, the fascinating world of apes lives on, rich in communication, even as the question of the question lingers unanswered.