A wide variety of studies have examined the factors driving cultural variation in tool use in both humans, apes and capuchins. However, studies exploring tool use in Old World monkeys are still scant. To fill this gap, my doctoral research aims to investigate the social, ecological and demographic factors explaining both group and individual variation in tool use among Nicobar long-tailed macaques. These macaques are found on three isolated islands which have a diverse ecological terrain. My project will examine whether these ecological differences can generate unique modes of adaptation, leading to population-specific forms of tool use.
A wide variety of studies have examined the factors driving cultural variation in tool use in both humans, apes and capuchins. However, studies exploring tool use in Old World monkeys are still scant. To fill this gap, my doctoral research aims to investigate the social, ecological and demographic factors explaining both group and individual variation in tool use among Nicobar long-tailed macaques. These macaques are found on three isolated islands which have a diverse ecological terrain. My project will examine whether these ecological differences can generate unique modes of adaptation, leading to population-specific forms of tool use.