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Neophilia, innovation and social learning: A study of intergeneric differences in Callitrichid monkeys.

Day, R.L.; Coe, R.L.; Kendal, J.R.; Laland, K.N.

Authors

R.L. Coe

K.N. Laland



Abstract

In a comparative study of neophilia, innovation and social attentiveness we exposed individuals in seven callitrichid species, from three genera, to novel extractive foraging tasks. The results revealed consistently shorter response latencies, higher levels of successful and unsuccessful manipulation, and greater attentiveness to the task and to conspecifics in Leontopithecus (lion tamarins) than in both Saguinus (tamarins) and Callithrix (marmosets). This is consistent with the hypothesis that species dependent upon manipulative and explorative foraging tend to be less neophobic and more innovative than other species. Furthermore, Callithrix appeared to be less neophobic than Saguinus; if Callithrix is regarded as the greater specialist, this result is inconsistent with the hypothesis that neophobia is associated with foraging specialization. We consider the relevance of our findings to taxonomic relationships, and to technical and Machiavellian intelligence hypotheses and discuss the implications for captive breeding and reintroduction strategies.

Citation

Day, R., Coe, R., Kendal, J., & Laland, K. (2003). Neophilia, innovation and social learning: A study of intergeneric differences in Callitrichid monkeys. Animal Behaviour, 65, 559-571. https://doi.org/10.1006/anbe.2003.2074

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date 2003
Journal Animal Behaviour
Print ISSN 0003-3472
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 65
Pages 559-571
DOI https://doi.org/10.1006/anbe.2003.2074
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1569824