Chimpanzees pass on tool-handling skills across generations

A fascinating study shows that chimpanzees, like humans, gradually improve their tool-using skills through the exchange of ideas and information between different populations.

The research was led by Cassandra Gunasekaram, a doctoral student at the University of Zurich.

The study shows parallels between the knowledge sharing behavior of chimpanzees and early humans.

Science has shown that chimpanzees are very adept at passing on behaviors such as tool use from one generation to the next.

However, their “culture,” defined as socially learned behaviors, appeared to have remained more or less constant. Gunasekaram and her team tried to solve this mystery.

The University of Zurich team meticulously combined genetic data tracking ancient chimpanzee migrations across Africa with observations of 15 different foraging behaviors across multiple populations and subspecies.

The behaviors fell into three categories: those that do not require tools, those that use simple tools, and the most complex ones that use tool sets.

Complex behaviors and group interactions

The key finding of the chimpanzee study was the finding that the use of advanced tools was highly correlated with populations linked through genetic exchange over the past 5,000 to 15,000 years. This is an indication that complex behaviors have spread as groups interact.

Interestingly, the regions where three subspecies overlapped showed the most complex tool use.

On the other hand, simpler behaviors such as foraging without tools appeared to be less associated with migration and likely evolved independently in different areas.

Connection between humans and chimpanzees

“They have become so complex that one person alone could not invent them from scratch,” noted Gunasekaram.

The advanced tool use observed in chimpanzees reflects human progress from early computing machines to modern smartphones – a result of the exchange of ideas and incremental innovation.

However, unlike humans, chimpanzees have far fewer opportunities to get to know new individuals and ideas. This is primarily due to gradual migrations driven by sexually mature females moving to avoid inbreeding.

One of the biggest challenges in studying the evolution of chimpanzee culture is the limited observation window, as the species has only been studied scientifically for about a century.

Additionally, chimpanzee tools made from sticks and stems are perishable, making it nearly impossible to trace the evolution of their artifacts over time. The team overcame these hurdles by analyzing ancient genetic flows.

Influence of social learning

Social learning plays a crucial role in the development and transmission of chimpanzee culture. Through observation and imitation, young chimpanzees acquire valuable skills and knowledge from experienced individuals within their social group.

This process allows learned behaviors such as tool use and foraging techniques to be transmitted across generations.

The ability to learn from each other and adapt to changing environments has contributed to the richness and diversity of chimpanzees’ cultural practices, including tool use.

Cultural differences between chimpanzees

Similar to human cultures, chimpanzee cultures also exhibit variations and regional differences.

Different chimpanzee populations have been found to possess unique cultural practices and behaviors specific to their social groups and environments.

These differences can be observed in different tool use techniques, communication patterns, and even forms of social interaction.

By studying these cultural variations, researchers gain valuable insight into the adaptive nature of chimpanzee culture and the influence of local environments on their behavioral repertoire.

By examining the influence of social learning and highlighting cultural differences between chimpanzee populations, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexity and importance of chimpanzee culture and the use of tools in their evolutionary journey.

Although it’s unlikely that chimpanzees can match human ingenuity, given enough time, they could become more efficient foragers.

For example, some populations have become more advanced at cracking nuts using stone-made hammers and anvils. One particularly innovative group even invented a stabilizer for the anvil.

Ultimately, this study serves as a reminder of the important role of interaction and collaboration in driving innovation and technological progress – a lesson we share with our closest living relatives, chimpanzees.

The study is published in the journal Science.

—–

Did you like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for exciting articles, exclusive content and the latest updates.

Check out EarthSnap, a free app from Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

—–