Tool-use training temporarily enhances cognitive performance in long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis).

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  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: Springer Country of Publication: Germany NLM ID: 9814573 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1435-9456 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 14359448 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Anim Cogn Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Original Publication: Berlin : Springer, c1998-
    • Subject Terms:
      Cognition* ; Tool Use Behavior*; Macaca fascicularis/*psychology; Animals ; Female ; Learning ; Male ; Spatial Behavior
    • Abstract:
      Tool use relies on numerous cognitive functions, including sustained attention and understanding of causality. In this study, we investigated the effects of tool-use training on cognitive performance in primates. Specifically, we applied the Primate Cognition Test Battery to three long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) at different stages of a training procedure that consisted of using a rake to retrieve out-of-reach food items. In addition, we evaluated a control group (n = 3) performing a grasping task, in order to account for possible effects related to a simple motor act. Our results showed that tool-use training enhances mean performance in the physical cognition domain, i.e. the understanding of spatial relations, numerosity and causality. In particular, causal cognition (evaluating noise- and shape-related causality and understanding of tool properties) showed significant improvement after training, whereas spatial cognition (evaluating spatial memory, object permanence, rotation and transposition) showed a trend to improvement. Despite these findings, none of our trained monkeys succeeded in the tool-use task of the Primate Cognition Test Battery, which involved an unfamiliar tool. Some training-related effects did not persist after a 35-day resting period, suggesting that continuous practice may be necessary, or that a longer training period before resting may be needed to better maintain cognitive performance. In contrast with the training group, the control group did not display any change in cognitive performance. This finding paves the way to further investigation into the link between tool-use behaviour and the evolution of primate cognition.
    • Grant Information:
      PRIN-2015 International Italian Ministry of the University and Research; n. F52F16000840001 International Italian Ministry of the University and Research
    • Contributed Indexing:
      Keywords: Macaque; Physical cognition; Social cognition; Tool use
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20180305 Date Completed: 20181101 Latest Revision: 20181101
    • Publication Date:
      20221213
    • Accession Number:
      10.1007/s10071-018-1173-3
    • Accession Number:
      29502167