A concept of value during experimental exchange in brown capuchin monkeys, Cebus apella

Folia Primatol (Basel). 2004 Sep-Oct;75(5):317-30. doi: 10.1159/000080209.

Abstract

We evaluated the response of brown capuchin monkeys to two differentially valued tokens in an experimental exchange situation akin to a simple barter. Monkeys were given a series of three tests to evaluate their ability to associate tokens with food, then their responses were examined in a barter situation in which tokens were either limited or unlimited. Capuchins did not perform barter in the typical sense, returning the tokens which were associated with the reward. However, females, but not males, showed a different response, preferring the higher-value token. This may indicate that they learned to prefer one token over the other rather than to associate the tokens with their specific rewards. This sex difference parallels previous findings of greater reciprocity in female brown capuchins than in males.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cebus / psychology*
  • Choice Behavior*
  • Female
  • Food Preferences
  • Learning*
  • Male
  • Sex Factors
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Token Economy*
  • Video Recording