The Social Context of Resource Exploitation by Immature Tufted Capuchins (Cebus Apella)
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Authors
Feuerstein, Jennifer M.
Issue Date
1993
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Feeding and foraging techniques of immature primates during the
weaning period has not been well documented. Capuchins (Cebus) are a
useful genus in which to explore feeding and foraging patterns in immature
individuals. Capuchins have a broad and complex diet; many of the
resources they exploit require complicated foraging actions, such as extraction.
Capuchin infants develop slowly over a long weaning process, possibly in
response to the difficult and diverse food preferences of capuchins. Young
capuchins forage in a socially tolerant milieu; social context may support or
enable their efforts to exploit difficult materials during the weaning process.
We documented the changing nature of social interactions and
efficiency in processing a challenging and highly preferred resource
(unshelled pecans) by immature capuchins. Twelve infant and juvenile
capuchins were observed for two 6-8 week blocks over a five month period
under two conditions. During the baseline condition, the subjects were
observed following the introduction of the normal diet (monkey chow).
During test sessions, the subjects were observed following the introduction of
the normal diet and unshelled pecans. The immature individuals in general
were more interactive socially during test sessions than during baseline
sessions. Some infants were unable to open the pecans; these infants
obtained a large portion of their nuts through social interactions. Other
individuals tolerated infants' attempts to inspect or gain food from them
under both conditions.
These findings illustrate that certain common social interactions allow
young, inexperienced capuchins to obtain resources from others. Acquiring
food socially may serve two adaptive functions. As an infant capuchin grows
older and larger, the mother becomes less able to meet all of the nutritional
demands of her offspring. Social acquisition of food allows the infant to
supplement its diet with a wide variety of resources, including those too
difficult for the infant to process independently. The nutritional and
energetic requirements of the infant are met, promoting its survival to
adulthood. Social acquisition of food may also familiarize an infant
capuchin with a safe and proper diet that has been successful for other group
members, and exposes the infant to resources that it may be physically
incapable of processing. In short, social acquisition of food enables immature
tufted capuchins to exploit and become familiar with resources that may
otherwise be inaccessible to them.
Description
viii, 35 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.