Abstract
Comparative animal studies have revealed the existence of inter-group differences in socially learned behaviours – so-called cultural variations. However, most research has drawn on geographically and thus environmentally separated populations, rendering it difficult to exclude genetic or ecological influences. To circumvent this problem, the behaviour of neighbouring groups from the same population can be juxtaposed - an approach which in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) has revealed cultural differences in the use of nut-cracking and ant-dipping tools. Here I apply archaeological methods to extend this approach to compare the qualities of termite fishing tools used by wild chimpanzees by comparing the neighbouring Kasekela and Mitumba communities at Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania. While no identifiable differences existed between the available plant species and associated vegetal components, members of the Kasekela community selected a larger array of raw materials and manufactured significantly longer and wider tools compared with the Mitumba community. Thus, cultural knowledge is reflected in differentiated behaviour on a small spatial scale. This study emphasizes the use of archaeological methods to identify cultural variation among living chimpanzee communities, adding to the growing research operating within the new field of Primate Archaeology.
Highlights
Comparative animal studies have revealed the existence of inter-group differences in socially learned behaviours – so-called cultural variations
This study emphasizes the use of archaeological methods to identify cultural variation among living chimpanzee communities, adding to the growing research operating within the new field of Primate Archaeology
All targeted mounds were from Macrotermes bellicosus except for two M. bellicosus mounds at Kasekela which were occupied by two additional Macrotermes residents: M. michaelseni and
Summary
Comparative animal studies have revealed the existence of inter-group differences in socially learned behaviours – so-called cultural variations. Most research has drawn on geographically and environmentally separated populations, rendering it difficult to exclude genetic or ecological influences To circumvent this problem, the behaviour of neighbouring groups from the same population can be juxtaposed - an approach which in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) has revealed cultural differences in the use of nut-cracking and ant-dipping tools. The principal method used to establish culture in wild animal populations is the method of exclusion[2] In this method, researchers identify geographically variable behavioural patterns across study sites and seek to identify those differences that cannot be attributed to ecological or genetic explanations, but instead are underpinned by social (not individual) learning[9].
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