Recent discoveries in Brazil's Uvajara National Park call into question our understanding of primate intelligence and tool use. Capuchin monkeys have long been known for their intelligence and have been observed using tools in their natural habitat to dig up hidden food sources.
This amazing behavior, captured on video by researchers, shows the complex strategy and adaptability of these small primates.
By studying their tool use, scientists are gaining valuable insights into the evolution of cognitive abilities across species, and reshaping our understanding of the origins of tool use and intelligence. There is likely to be.
Deep in Brazil's Ubajara National Park, a pint-sized capuchin monkey was caught on camera giving a master class in tool use. These clever creatures don't just roam around. They strategically dig underground webs to capture the delicious trapdoor spiders.
Using a variety of techniques, scientists recorded 214 instances of these monkeys showing off their digging abilities.
hands only
Capuchin monkeys sometimes dig for food using just their feet. They use their hands to scrape and dig in the soil, showing off their dexterity and strength.
stone digging
These monkeys select specific rocks to aid in their digging. They choose smaller, lighter sandstones to break up compacted soil, increasing their efficiency in reaching underground food sources.
stick probing
Capuchin monkeys use sticks as tools to reach into deep burrows. They use sticks to probe and retrieve food such as spiders and their egg sacs from small spaces.
stone and stick combo
Capuchin monkeys excavate using a combination of stones and sticks. They use stones to break up the soil at the surface and then use sticks to probe deeper, making their use of tools more effective and versatile.
This monkey is not only smart; They are also adaptable. Researchers observed that capuchin monkeys change their digging tactics based on season and available tools.
They showed the ability to choose the right tool depending on the situation, be it a dry summer day or a muddy monsoon season. This adaptability highlights their intelligence and resourcefulness in different environments.
Monkey sees, monkey digs
Tool use among capuchin monkeys is not a new discovery. Scientists have been recording such “Stone Age Ape” behavior for some time. In fact, capuchin monkeys aren't the only monkeys to use tools. Orangutans have also been observed to use plants for medicinal purposes.
The discovery of tool use in capuchins dates back to 2004, when botanist Alicia Ibáñez observed capuchins using rocks to open sea almonds and shellfish in Panama's Coiba National Park. Similar behavior has since been observed in other capuchin species across South America.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo carefully observed these burrowing monkeys for 21 months, recording their every move. The researchers found that the monkeys were quite picky about tools, choosing lighter sandstone for digging compared to the heavier stones used to crack nuts.
“We predict that capuchin monkeys will use only their hands in loose soils and dig stones in compacted, hard soils,” the researchers noted. They also suggested that capuchin monkeys actively choose the location of their stone tools, which increases their efficiency when digging in hard soil.
Monkeys preferred to use sticks when raiding spider burrows, and would sometimes use their free hand to block the exit of the burrow to prevent prey from escaping.
“Adult males may hold the probe in one hand and place the other hand on the side of the burrow, apparently to prevent the spider from falling and escaping,” the researchers said. explained.
Interestingly, the researchers found that using tools did not necessarily improve the monkeys' success in acquiring food. Whether done with tools or bare hands, the success rate was only about 83%. This begs the question, why use a tool?
Researchers speculate that monkeys may use tools to target larger prey or to reduce the time and effort required to dig. Tools can make the foraging process more efficient by allowing access to foods that are hard to reach or require more effort to obtain.
ape stone age
As researchers continue to study the complex behaviors of these clever capuchin monkeys, we are getting a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of tool use and intelligence in primates.
It seems that the Stone Age is no longer just for humans. Our primate cousins are also proving they have a knack for using tools to get what they want.
This discovery raises interesting questions about the origins of tool use and the cognitive abilities of animals. This is a reminder that the animal kingdom is full of surprises and there is still much to learn about our fellow creatures on this planet.
The research will be published in a journal scientific report.
Video credit: Capuchin Culture Project scientific report (2024)
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