Environmental variability supports chimpanzee behavioural diversity
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Published:2020-09-15
Issue:1
Volume:11
Page:
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ISSN:2041-1723
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Container-title:Nature Communications
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Nat Commun
Author:
Kalan Ammie K.ORCID, Kulik Lars, Arandjelovic MimiORCID, Boesch ChristopheORCID, Haas Fabian, Dieguez PaulaORCID, Barratt Christopher D., Abwe Ekwoge E., Agbor AnthonyORCID, Angedakin Samuel, Aubert Floris, Ayimisin Emmanuel Ayuk, Bailey Emma, Bessone Mattia, Brazzola Gregory, Buh Valentine Ebua, Chancellor Rebecca, Cohen Heather, Coupland Charlotte, Curran Bryan, Danquah Emmanuel, Deschner Tobias, Dowd Dervla, Eno-Nku Manasseh, Michael Fay J., Goedmakers AnnemarieORCID, Granjon Anne-Céline, Head Josephine, Hedwig Daniela, Hermans Veerle, Jeffery Kathryn J.ORCID, Jones SorrelORCID, Junker Jessica, Kadam ParagORCID, Kambi Mohamed, Kienast Ivonne, Kujirakwinja Deo, Langergraber Kevin E., Lapuente Juan, Larson Bradley, Lee Kevin C.ORCID, Leinert Vera, Llana ManuelORCID, Marrocoli Sergio, Meier Amelia C., Morgan Bethan, Morgan David, Neil EmilyORCID, Nicholl SoniaORCID, Normand Emmanuelle, Ormsby Lucy Jayne, Pacheco LilianaORCID, Piel Alex, Preece Jodie, Robbins Martha M., Rundus Aaron, Sanz CricketteORCID, Sommer Volker, Stewart FionaORCID, Tagg NikkiORCID, Tennie Claudio, Vergnes Virginie, Welsh Adam, Wessling Erin G.ORCID, Willie Jacob, Wittig Roman M.ORCID, Yuh Yisa GinathORCID, Zuberbühler Klaus, Kühl Hjalmar S.ORCID
Abstract
AbstractLarge brains and behavioural innovation are positively correlated, species-specific traits, associated with the behavioural flexibility animals need for adapting to seasonal and unpredictable habitats. Similar ecological challenges would have been important drivers throughout human evolution. However, studies examining the influence of environmental variability on within-species behavioural diversity are lacking despite the critical assumption that population diversification precedes genetic divergence and speciation. Here, using a dataset of 144 wild chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) communities, we show that chimpanzees exhibit greater behavioural diversity in environments with more variability — in both recent and historical timescales. Notably, distance from Pleistocene forest refugia is associated with the presence of a larger number of behavioural traits, including both tool and non-tool use behaviours. Since more than half of the behaviours investigated are also likely to be cultural, we suggest that environmental variability was a critical evolutionary force promoting the behavioural, as well as cultural diversification of great apes.
Funder
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Heinz L. Krekeler Foundation
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
General Physics and Astronomy,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology,General Chemistry
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