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. 2008 Jul;11(3):413-22.
doi: 10.1007/s10071-007-0131-2. Epub 2008 Jan 9.

Do capuchin monkeys use weight to select hammer tools?

Cornelia Schrauf  1 , Ludwig Huber, Elisabetta Visalberghi
Affiliations

Do capuchin monkeys use weight to select hammer tools?

Cornelia Schrauf et al. Anim Cogn. 2008 Jul.

Abstract

The extent to which tool-using animals take into account the properties of the tool is little explored. The use of percussors to crack open encapsulated fruit is a complex form of tool use, the choice of an adequate tool being a critical aspect in success. Several properties (e.g., material, resistance, friability, shape and weight) affect the suitability of an object to open a hard-shelled nut, with weight being amongst the most important factors. In general, heavier tools require fewer strikes to crack open a nut.

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