Instead, they are learned from other group
members.
Tool Use: Japanese macaques are known for
their use of tools, such as washing sweet potatoes
in seawater or using sticks to extract insects from
tree bark. The specific techniques and tool choices
can vary between groups and are culturally
transmitted.
Social Learning: Researchers at PRI have
conducted experiments to demonstrate that social
learning plays a significant role in cultural
transmission. They have observed young macaques
learning behaviors by watching and imitating older
group members.
Long-Term Studies: The researchers at PRI
have conducted long-term field studies on multiple
macaque populations, allowing them to track
changes in cultural behaviors over generations. This
longitudinal research has provided valuable insights
into how cultural traits evolve and spread within a
population.
Implications: The research on cultural
transmission in Japanese macaques at PRI has
broader implications for our understanding of
animal behavior, social learning, and the evolution
of culture. It highlights the importance of social
interactions and learning in the development of
cultural traits in non-human animals.