Research has found that chimpanzees in one area make spears to help them hunt bushbabies (African lorises). The chimpanzees loca
te a tree trunk in which the bushbabies live. They then select a tree branch, trim off the leaves and side branches, and trim the end of the branch to form a sharpened tip. The chimpanzees thrust these branches, like spears, into the tree to try to stab bushbabies (see the Lab 11 Exercise Image Library on p. 336 of your lab manual for associated images). Is this behavior an example of nonhuman primate culture?
1. Yes
2. No
Primates often work together while hunting and then share the meat with others in the group.
1. True
2. False
Yes, it is a nonhuman primate cultural example: Despite the fact that many nonhuman primates lack apparent cultural traditions in the same manner that humans do, primatologists have uncovered a number of behavioral habits that differ between populations and are passed down through socialization and language interaction. The employment of tools by chimps for hunting is one of the most prominent examples of this. Chimpanzees in the African Savannah have been observed fashioning sticks into weapons to hunt bush infants, according to researchers. In each example, a chimp changes a branch by snapping off one or two ends and sharpening the stick with its teeth. The spear is then jabbed into the bottom of the trunk, where the bush infants slumber. Because this complicated behavior appears to differ between communities, it is thought that chimpanzee tool usage is socially acquired, and hence a cultural behavior.
B.
Chimpanzees hunt in groups so that they may corner their prey even if the canopy is continuous. Each chimpanzee within the hunting parties has a specific function to play during an arboreal hunt. Drivers are responsible for keeping the prey moving in a specific route and following them without trying to grab or catch them. Blockers are positioned at the base of the trees, climbing up to stop prey from fleeing in the other direction. Chasers move swiftly and attempt to capture the prey. Finally, when one monkey approaches, ambushers hide and flee. The food is delivered to all members of the hunting group once the animal has been trapped and slaughtered.
