Faithful replication of foraging techniques along cultural transmission chains by chimpanzees and children.

ABSTRACT: Observational studies of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) have revealed population-specific differences in behavior, thought to represent cultural variation. Field studies have also reported behaviors indicative of cultural learning, such as close observation of adult skills by infants, and the use of similar foraging techniques within a population over many generations. Although experimental studies have shown that chimpanzees are able to learn complex behaviors by observation, it is unclear how closely these studies simulate the learning environment found in the wild. In the present study we have used a diffusion chain paradigm, whereby a behavior is passed from one individual to the next in a linear sequence in an attempt to simulate intergenerational transmission of a foraging skill.

SUBMITTER: Horner V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1564214 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature