A comparison of computer-generated and naturally occurring foraging patterns in route-network-constrained spider monkeys

A comparison of computer-generated and naturally occurring foraging patterns in route-network-constrained spider monkeys

The attribution of goal‐directed behavior to observations of primate foraging and ranging requires that simpler explanations for observed behavior patterns be eliminated. Computer‐generated simulations of non‐goal‐directed foraging behavior can be used as null models for higher complexity cognitive...

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Published in:American journal of primatology Vol. 76; no. 5; pp. 460 - 471
Main Authors: Suarez, Scott A., Karro, John, Kiper, James, Farler, David, McElroy, Blaine, Rogers, Benjamin C., Stockwell, Ben, Young, Taylor
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-05-2014
Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
Subjects:
Animals
Appetitive Behavior
Ateles
Atelinae - psychology
Behavior, Animal
behavioral strategy
Computer Simulation
Ecuador
Feeding
Feeding Behavior
Female
foraging
Locomotion
New World monkeys
null model
Primate behaviour
Primates
Primatology
route network
Simulation
Travel
Trees
Ecuador
ateles
foraging
behavioral strategy
null model
route network
simulation
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Summary:The attribution of goal‐directed behavior to observations of primate foraging and ranging requires that simpler explanations for observed behavior patterns be eliminated. Computer‐generated simulations of non‐goal‐directed foraging behavior can be used as null models for higher complexity cognitive foraging, and can provide quantifiable data against which to compare the observed behavioral patterns in wild primates. In this paper, we compare the results of two variations of computer simulated null models with observed foraging behavior of wild spider monkeys (Ateles belzebuth). One model simulates monkeys searching using a modified random‐walk model in which monkeys alternate 100‐m steps with turn angles derived from observed behavior. The second model constrains travel to an observed route system derived from observations of wild spider monkeys. Simulated monkeys in each model searched among increasing densities of feeding trees ranging from 10 to 1,000. We compared travel distance, travel directness, and accuracy of starting direction for each feeding tree discovered for the two models. We then compared these results with those derived from observations of wild spider monkeys. Route‐model monkeys traveled shorter distances and more directly to feeding trees than did randomly foraging monkeys, and discovered trees in the direction they started more often. Observed spider monkeys outperformed simulated monkeys from both models in all variables, allowing us to reject the null hypothesis that observed foraging and ranging behavior could be explained by non‐goal‐directed travel. Am. J. Primatol. 76:460–471, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bibliography:ArticleID:AJP22222
istex:6A76FBA8DBF843EF1DFCF2413CC310ACF7D51D9D
Leakey Foundation
ark:/67375/WNG-4S4LWRMR-L
National Science Foundation
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SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
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ISSN:0275-2565
1098-2345
DOI:10.1002/ajp.22222