Atypical tool and object use in wild immature chimpanzees reveals developmental pathways to innovation.

ABSTRACT: Innovation drives cultural evolution, yet little is known about its developmental origins or the role of immature individuals in generating novel behaviors. We examined 67 object uses by 36 infant and juvenile chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), over 15 months at Ngogo, Uganda. Nearly half of object uses were atypical, deviating from adult norms. 94% of atypical bouts were novel additions or modifications of adult forms or uses in new contexts, including three efficacious innovations: doll play, moss-sponging, and leaf-clipping to request carrying. To assess individual differences, we developed an Exploration Index integrating frequency, diversity, and atypicality of object use. Nine individuals had notably higher scores. Females and offspring of multiparous mothers scored higher

SUBMITTER: Badescu I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12534445 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature