The Facts

• A study published in the journal Franklin Open questioned the "Infinite Monkeys Theorem," which states that an infinite number of monkeys, given infinite time, would eventually produce the complete works of Shakespeare by typing randomly on a keyboard.

• The study's authors say that while the theory is statistically possible, it doesn't account for finite time and resources, and thus is "misleading." Instead, they tested the theory by adjusting for when the universe will end and how the monkey population.The study's authors say that while the theory is statistically possible, it doesn't account for finite time and resources, and thus is "misleading." Instead, they tested the theory by adjusting for when the universe will end and the monkey population.

• Using a constant chimpanzee population of 200K — each with a 30-year lifespan and typing one letter per second — with a time limit for the estimated "heat death of the universe," the researchers found the chances of Shakespeare's works being written were effectively zero.Using a constant chimpanzee population of 200K — each with a 30-year lifespan and typing one letter per second — with a time limit of 10 to the 100th power years until the universe ends, the researchers found the chances of Shakespeare's works being written were effectively zero.