Facts about Tools Use in Chimpanzees

1. 05

   Tool use in chimpanzees is learned socially rather than instinctively, with young chimps acquiring techniques by observing and imitating experienced adults over years.

   Tools Use in ChimpanzeesJun 6sharebehaviorlearningprimates
2. 04

   Some chimpanzee populations use sharpened sticks as spears to hunt bushbabies sheltering in tree cavities, representing a rare case of weapon manufacture.

   Tools Use in ChimpanzeesJun 6sharebehaviorcognitionprimatology
3. 03

   In Bossou, Guinea, chimpanzees have been observed using leaf sponges made from crumpled leaves to absorb and drink water from tree hollows.

   Tools Use in ChimpanzeesJun 6sharebehaviorcognitionprimates
4. 02

   Wild chimpanzees in West Africa use stone hammers and anvils to crack open hard-shelled nuts, a behavior that varies between populations and is culturally transmitted.

   Tools Use in ChimpanzeesJun 6sharebehaviorcognitionculture
5. 01

   Chimpanzees use thin sticks or grass stems as tools to extract termites from mounds, a behavior first documented by Jane Goodall in the 1960s.

   Tools Use in ChimpanzeesJun 6sharebehaviorprimatesevolution