Greater tool use diversity is associated with increased terrestriality in wild capuchin monkeys

A positive correlation between terrestriality and stone tool use diversity has been identified in wild capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) at Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil. The study found that increased time spent on the ground—accounting for 41% of their behavior—was linked to a more diversified use of stone tools, supporting the hypothesis that terrestriality enhances tool innovation opportunities. Using scan sampling over 23 months, researchers recorded substrate use and behaviors, revealing age-related differences in terrestriality while noting no sex-based variation. Compared to another capuchin population with a limited tool repertoire, these monkeys exhibited significantly higher ground use (43% vs. 27%), reinforcing the connection between terrestriality and tool complexity.

Falótico, T., & Ottoni, E. B. (2023). Greater tool use diversity is associated with increased terrestriality in wild capuchin monkeys. American Journal of Biological Anthropology, 181(2), 312–317. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.24740