Problem-solving in groups of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): more than the sum of its parts.

ABSTRACT: Human hypercooperativity and the emergence of division of labor enables us to solve problems not only effectively within a group but also collectively. Collective problem-solving occurs when groups perform better than the additive performance of separate individuals. Currently, it is unknown whether this is unique to humans. To investigate the evolutionary origin of collective problem-solving and potential precursors, we propose a continuum of group effects on problem-solving, from simple to complex ones, eventually culminating in collective problem-solving. We tested captive common marmosets with a series of problem-solving tasks, either alone or in a group. To test whether the performance of a group was more than the sum of its parts, we compared real groups to virtual groups (pooled sco

SUBMITTER: Sehner S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9802434 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature