I've unearthed many monkey news stories recently, so I decided to highlight the most fascinating or silly ones here. Enjoy "monkeying around" with the articles! Get it? See what I did there? Nyuck nyuck! ;D
1. Even Monkeys Know Which Rock Will Break the Toughest Nut
Capuchin monkeys not only have the capacity to use tools, they also know which tool is best for the job at hand, according to a new study. Researchers observed capuchin monkeys in the wild testing out different stones and consistently settling on the heaviest, sturdiest stone to crack open pine nuts. Although anecdotal reports existed before, the new study is the first to systematically document tool use in capuchin monkeys. Because capuchins last shared a common ancestor with humans approximately 35 million years ago, the team writes, the capacity for stone-tool use evolved earlier than thought [New Scientist]...Click here for the full article.
2. Primate Culture Is Just A Stone's Throw Away From Human Evolution, Study Finds
For 30 years, scientists have been studying stone-handling behavior in several troops of Japanese macaques to catch a unique glimpse of primate culture. By watching these
monkeys acquire and maintain behavioral traditions from generation to generation, the scientists have gained insight into the cultural evolution of humans...Click here for the full article.
3. Kellie Pickler Monkeys Around
Kellie Pickler has adopted quite a strange pet — a monkey!...Click here for the full article.
4. Genetic Variation Cues Social Anxiety In Monkeys And Humans
A genetic variation involving the brain chemical serotonin has been found to shape the social behavior of rhesus macaque monkeys, which could provide researchers with a new model for studying autism, social anxiety and schizophrenia. Humans and macaques are the only members of the primate family to have this particular genetic trait...Click here for the full article.
5. Feces-Throwing Monkey on the Loose in Tampa Bay
Wildlife officials have spent hours trying to capture a rhesus monkey on the loose in Tampa Bay that is known to throw feces when it's angry...Click here for the full article.
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