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5. A comparative research of cognitive capabilities of hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) and rhesus monkeys (Macaca mu-latta) in the solution of problems on manipulation

A comparative research of cognitive capabilities of hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) and rhesus monkeys (Macaca mu-latta) in the solution of problems on manipulation

Anikaev A.E., Chalyan V.G., Meishvili N.G.

FSBSI «Scientific Research Institute of Medical Primatology», Sochi

Anikaev A.E., e-mail: mg_anykey@mail.ru; Chalyan V.G., e-mail: vg_chalyan@mail.ru; Meishvili N.G., e-mail: natela_prim@list.ru

Abstract

The research of cognitive activity of modern primates, is a source of information to solve the problems of the evolution of the psyche, and the reconstruction of the early stages of anthro-pogenes. The most important component of research, comple-mentary picture of the evolution of psyche and cognitive func-tions primate studies, are researches of manipulation activity. In-terest to compare the cognitive abilities of hamadryas baboons and rhesus monkeys due to physiological, ecological and evolu-tionary differences between these types of monkeys. Eleven hamadryas baboons in the age of 1 and a half year and ten rhesus monkeys in the age of 1 and a half year were studied. The tests were selected taking into account the possibility of multifaceted analysis of cognitive abilities to solving the tasks on manipulatory activity in hamadryas baboons. The following tests were used: string pulling, occluded reach, transparent tube. Despite the general high level of activity exhibited macaques and especially baboons upon presentation of tests that require complex manipulation, the results of which are shown at their decision, the relatively low and consistent with the results ob-tained in other studies of cognitive abilities of the lower apes. There are some species differences, they are expressed in higher indexes of hamadryas baboons in solving problems by string pulling test and higher rates of rhesus monkeys in the occluded reach test. Such contradictory results can not talk about the clear advantages of hamadryas baboons in front of rhesus monkeys.

Keywords

anthropology, primatology, hamadryas baboons, rhesus monkeys, manipulatory activity, cognitive abilities

Цит.: Anikaev A.E., Chalyan V.G., Meishvili N.G. A comparative research of cognitive capabilities of hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) and rhesus monkeys (Macaca mu-latta) in the solution of problems on manipulation // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2013; 4/2013; с. 93-102