The ontogeny of foraging in squirrel monkeys, Saimiri oerstedi

摘要: Abstract The development of foraging and locomotor independence by wild infant squirrel monkey is described. Infants began to locomote independently during the fourth week life successful appeared within next 2 weeks. were weaned 16 frequency targets activities in infants became indistinguishable from those older animals 4·5 months after onset foraging, with four exceptions. Compared animals, exhibited (1) greater reliance on methods that did not involve prehension small prey, (2) less visual inspection potential sites, (3) skilled processing certain prey remove potentially toxic gut contents prevent escape, (4) avoidance urticaceous caterpillars. Observations watching other experiencing difficulties noxious prevention approach adults suggest species could be transmitted socially. Otherwise, no direct social influence was shown. Only a few features require extensive individually acquired motor skills, weanlings can feed themselves adequately before these skills are developed. population much earlier than has been observed captive groups, at about age which abilities sufficiently mature for reach minimal efficiency. weaning this probably represents lower limit taxon.