Comparative Physiological Investigation of Peculiarities of Recognition of Complex Visual Images and Ability to Identify Two-Dimensional Images and Three-Dimensional Objects by the Lower and Higher Monkeys

Abstract

An ability of primates to compare and identify planar images and three-dimensional objects has been studied at solving tasks of the “choice on model” type. The study is carried out on three species of monkeys of different levels of phylogenetic development: macaques rhesuses Macaca mulata, brown capuchins Cebus apella, and chimpanzee Pan troglodytes. Plaster casts of fruits, household objects, and toys–animals were used for the identification. It is revealed that representatives of the studied monkey species are able to compare and identify three-dimensional objects and their two-dimensional images and to extract identical attributes during solution of visual tasks of different degrees of complexity in variants of the methodical approach “choice on model.” Under conditions of our experiments, the capuchins, macaques, and chimpanzee performed a direct transfer of the elaborated principle of the solution. There have also been established peculiarities of behavior of different species of the lower and higher monkeys. Macaques rhesuses had difficulties when solving complex combinatory tasks. Capuchins displayed pronounced negative emotions and characteristic patterns of defensive behavior at demonstration and during identification of two- and three-dimensional objects of the toys–animals type. Unlike the lower monkeys, the chimpanzee, when presented with toys–animals, did not change the level of their correct answers and demonstrated pronounced play reactions.