TRANSFERS OF FOOD FROM ADULTS TO INFANTS IN TUFTED CAPUCHINS (CEBUS-APELLA)

This study examined the behavioral mechanisms that support transfer of food from adults to infants in tufted capuchins (Cebus apella). Two c aptive groups of capuchins were presented with abundant quantities of unshelled pecans or commercial pellets. Five of 11 infant subjects cou ld not open the nuts. A variety of tolerated interactions were initiat ed by infants toward adults, and food was frequently transferred. All such interactions were more frequent with nuts (a preferred food) than with pellets. Adult capuchins were equally tolerant of infant capuchi ns that could open nuts and those that could not. Tolerated interactio ns during feeding could result in acquisition of dietary information b y young capuchins or to important, if intermittent, nutritional suppor t.