Ontogeny of manipulative behavior in a semifree-ranging group of tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella)

Author(s)

Briseida Dogo de Resende

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Psicologia (IP/SBD)
• Defense date: 2004-06-03

Examining board members

Eduardo Benedicto Ottoni; Cesar Ades; Vera Silvia Raad Bussab; Maria Adélia Oliveira Monteiro da Cruz; Adriana Odalia Rimoli

• Advisor: Eduardo Benedicto Ottoni
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology
• Indexed in: Banco de Dados Bibliográficos da USP-DEDALUS; Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações - USP; Index Psi Teses - IP/USP
• Location: Universidade de São Paulo. Biblioteca do Instituto de Psicologia; T QL751.65.L7; R433o

Abstract

The objective of this work was to study the manipulative behavior of semifree-ranging tufted-capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella), focusing on the ontogenesis of nutcracking behavior. Data collection was done during a period of two years and a half, and so, a longitudinal study with monkeys under two-years old could be performed. Social dynamics related to nutcracking learning were also studied. The results show that the monkeys started manipulating objects when they were around a month of age, but only subjects over two years of age were able to sucessfully crack nuts. They observed conspecific nutcracking: immature monkeys were the main observers, especially juveniles. The main targets of observation were the monkeys who had the highest nutcracking rate. Agonism was rare during conspecific observation, what means that social tolerance was high. There were events in which immature monkeys alternated play and nutcracking behavior. An important part of nutcracking acquisition can be attributed to individual experiences, but there are also opportunities for social learning through direct observation of proficient conspecific, once observers are well tolerated. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 99/11573-2 - Ontogeny of manipulative behavior in a semifree-ranging group of Tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella)
• Grantee: Briseida Dôgo de Resende
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate