Innovation in wild Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus).

ABSTRACT: Innovation is the ability to solve novel problems or find novel solutions to familiar problems, and it is known to affect fitness in both human and non-human animals. In primates, innovation has been mostly studied in captivity, although differences in living conditions may affect individuals' ability to innovate. Here, we tested innovation in a wild group of Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus). In four different conditions, we presented the group with several identical foraging boxes containing food. To understand which individual characteristics and behavioural strategies best predicted innovation rate, we measured the identity of the individuals manipulating the boxes and retrieving the food, and their behaviour during the task. Our results showed that success in the novel task was mainl

SUBMITTER: Amici F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7067846 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature