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Constructive and deconstructive tool modification by chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

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Abstract

Nine chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) were tested for their ability to assemble or disassemble the appropriate tool to obtain a food reward from two different apparatus. In its deconstructed form, the tool functioned as a probe for one apparatus. In its constructed form, the tool functioned as a hook, appropriate for a second apparatus. Each subject completed four test trials with each apparatus type. Tool types were randomized and counter-balanced between the two forms. Results demonstrated that adult and juvenile chimpanzees (N = 7) were successful with both tool types, while two infant chimpanzees performed near chance. Off-line video analyses revealed that tool modifications followed by attempted solutions by the adults and juveniles were typically correct on the first attempt. Neither infant was successful in modifying tools correctly on the first attempt over all eight trials. The older chimpanzees’ ability to modify the appropriate tool consistently prior to use indicates an immediate recognition of the functional attributes necessary for the successful use of tool types on each apparatus, and represents a non-replication of a previously reported study by Povinelli.

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Notes

  1. In all of their tool use studies, Povinelli et al. (2000) used what they termed “standard trials” that were used for training, and subsequently included during novel probe tests to maintain his chimpanzees’ “motivation”. A standard trial typically represented training trials during which the chimpanzee subject was provided with only one tool choice that was always functional, and thus, the correct version of the tool. Such standard trials usually preceded and followed novel test trials, insuring that his animals were successful with the majority of trials within a session, since they did not have to make a choice as to the correct tool.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, 209 Psychology Building, 1835 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Amanda E. Bania, Stephany Harris, Hannah R. Kinsley & Sarah T. Boysen

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  1. Amanda E. Bania
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  2. Stephany Harris
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  3. Hannah R. Kinsley
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  4. Sarah T. Boysen
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Correspondence to Sarah T. Boysen.

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Bania, A.E., Harris, S., Kinsley, H.R. et al. Constructive and deconstructive tool modification by chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Anim Cogn 12, 85–95 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-008-0173-0

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