How do young orangutans develop their skills to build nests in trees? They do it through observational social learning. They observe others and practice these complex constructions. Yes, orangutans learn from other nests and adapt that knowledge. The primatologists of the University of Warwick tell him in an investigation published in Nature Communications Biology. They did it with Sumatra Organgutans.
A well -built nest is essential for the survival of a young ape. He keeps them safe from predators. It keeps them hot and offers a safe place to sleep when they are in height. It was not clear how orangutans learn this complex skill.
Looking at the neighbors
They carefully observing the creations of their mothers and other animals. Then they practice the steps that have followed carefully. The construction of nests is essential for survival. But it is not the focus of much research. Based on 17 years of observation data, it was known that orangutans learn from other nests.
There is an innate base, but the details and the method must be learned socially from a very early age through observation and practice. They learn from mistakes as they grow. Sumatra orangutans build two types of nests. Diurnal nests are usually basic and practical structures, while nightlife are complex sleeping platforms. They are usually at a height of 20 meters. They include comfort elements such as pillows, blankets, mattresses (lining) and ceilings to protect themselves.
The young watch their mothers while building their nests to learn to do it. When the observation was observed, they were more likely to practice the construction of the nest themselves. If they did not observe, they did not practice construction. Active observation is probably crucial to develop skill.
Using what has been learned
It was also shown that young orangutans paid special attention to the most complex aspects. Parts of the construction of the nest, such as adding comfort elements or building on several trees, practiced more after observing these actions.
As the orangutans grew, they began to observe and learn from other individuals. Not only to their mothers. And chose new models to be helped to diversify their knowledge about which trees to use. This suggests that both how to build and what to build are learned socially.
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