Do capuchin monkeys use weight to select hammer tools?
The extent to which tool-using animals take into account the properties of the tool is little explored. The use of percussors to crack open encapsulated fruit is a complex form of tool use, the choice of an adequate tool being a critical aspect in success. Several properties (e.g., material, resistance, friability, shape and weight) affect the suitability of an object to open a hard-shelled nut, with weight being amongst the most important factors. In general, heavier tools require fewer strikes to crack open a nut.
Schrauf
Cornelia
C
Department for Neurobiology and Cognition Research, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria. conny.schrauf@chello.at
Huber
Ludwig
L
Visalberghi
Elisabetta
E
D000818:Animals; D002428:Cebus / Q000523:psychology*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D008297:Male; D011340:Problem Solving; D053001:Tool Use Behavior