Full text
| |
| Author(s): |
A. M. F. O Nunes
Total Authors: 1
|
| Document type: | Master's Dissertation |
| Press: | São Paulo. |
| Institution: | Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Psicologia (IP/SBD) |
| Defense date: | 2023-09-12 |
| Examining board members: |
Tiago Falótico;
André Paulo Correa de Carvalho;
Rodrigo Hirata Willemart
|
| Advisor: | Tiago Falótico |
| Abstract | |
Capuchin monkeys are an interesting model for studying object use culture and traditions, as they are manipulative, innovative regarding problem-solving, and tolerant of the presence of other individuals, increasing the possibility of social learning. Several studies have been conducted on stone tool cultural variation by capuchin monkeys, but little is known about the variation in the use of probing tools. Studies carried out in the Serra da Capivara National Park (PNSC) have shown that capuchin monkeys living there use sticks to probe cracks, holes, and to obtain honey from bee nests. This population is the only known that habitually uses stick tools for this purpose. The aim of this research was to develop and apply field tests to groups of unhabituated capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) from the populations of the Ubajara National Park (PNU) and the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (PNCV), to gather information on the occurrence of probe tool-use behaviors and to verify behavioral variations between populations. An experimental probing apparatus was designed to evaluate the use of probing tools. It was exposed in 3 phases: (1) without facilitation, (2) stick available on top of the apparatus, and (3) pre-inserted sticks. We used the PNSC population as a baseline. In this population, the apparatus was solved in phase 1 as expected. However, in the other two tested populations, no individual used sticks on the apparatus in any phase. This indicates that individuals from these populations (PNU and PNCV) do not possess this probing tool-use behavior in their repertoire, at least in this context. The results also suggest that the use of probing tools is not easily innovated, helping to explain the absence of stick use in most capuchin monkey populations. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 20/10412-8 - Field experiments to identify tool use variations in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) |
| Grantee: | Andrews Michel Fernandes Oliveira Nunes |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |