Swiss scientists from the University of Zurich discovered that chimpanzees can develop tool-using skills and pass this knowledge on to their relatives. The research was published in the scientific journal magazine Science.
The team combined genetic data tracking ancient chimpanzee migrations across Africa with observations of 15 different foraging patterns in dozens of modern monkey populations.
Behaviors were categorized into three levels: tool-free, simple tool-requiring, and tool-set-requiring.
An example of the second level is the behavior of chimpanzees in the Congo; Here, primates dig termite nests with a thick stick and then use the chewed plant stem as a brush to remove insects from the tunnel they have made.
The study found that the use of modern tools is closely linked to populations with genetic exchange between them over the last 5,000 to 15,000 years. This suggests that this behavior spreads through group interactions.
Areas where the three subtypes overlap demonstrate the most advanced tool use and highlight how intergroup connections contribute to cultural knowledge.
In contrast, simpler behaviors such as tool-free foraging appear to be less associated with migration and likely evolved independently in different regions.
Chimpanzees have made obvious progress in developing new technologies, scientists say. For example, some groups discovered a way to crack nuts using a stone hammer and anvil. And one particularly innovative group of primates even invented an anvil balancer.
Previous researchers discovered There are unexpected similarities between the traditions of humans and chipanzees.
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Source: Gazeta
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