Abstract
The purpose of this research was to examine the use and modification of stone tools by tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella). Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, six of 11 monkeys produced stone-flakes by striking stones against hard surfaces. In Experiment 2, three of 15 monkeys used stones as cutting tools. Two of these monkeys combined tools and one of them modified stones prior to using them as tools. The results of this study demonstrate a simple stone-tool technology in monkeys. These data provide further evidence for cross-species continuity in the tool-using and tool making abilities of primates and indicate that stone-tool technology may have evolved in the hominid lineage earlier than has been confirmed by the existing archaeological record.
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