| Capuchins and chimpanzees share a number of socio-ecological characteristics, including an extractive foraging niche and an impressive capacity for skilled object manipulation. Based on documented patterns of foraging variability across populations, they may also share a capacity for social traditions, or 'culture.' This research was an effort to document patterns of foraging variability in two groups of free-ranging Cebus capucinus, and to identify the asocial and social factors underlying such variation.;A high degree of variability was observed in foraging patterns and processing techniques for specific foods. Most differences between age/sex classes and groups could be attributed to developmental and environmental factors. However, patterns of food processing observed for one food type, Luehea candida , appear to be influenced by patterns of association within groups, and may reflect foraging traditions. This research supports the growing body of evidence suggesting that a capacity for social traditions is not unique to hominoids. |
