Insights into the evolutionary history of the most skilled tool-handling platyrrhini monkey: Sapajus libidinosus from the Serra da Capivara National Park

Researchers have uncovered that the capuchin monkey Sapajus libidinosus, residing in Brazil's Serra da Capivara National Park, exhibits a unique evolutionary trajectory linked to advanced tool-use behaviors. Their study reveals a discrete but constant population growth since the Holocene, coinciding with the emergence of the Caatinga biome—a semi-arid ecosystem rich in hard fruits and seeds processed using tools. Genetic analysis (CYTB sequences) suggests that S. libidinosus developed and maintained its autochthonous culture through cognitive innovation, social learning tolerance, adaptive genetic traits, terrestriality, and abundant natural resources. These factors created 'hot spots' for cultural diversification, enabling the species to thrive in a challenging environment with remarkable tool-handling skills surpassing those of other non-human primates.

Lima, T., Fam, B., Tavares, G. M., Falótico, T., Cantele, C., Fanti, L., Landau, L., Viscardi, L. H., Vargas-Pinilla, P., Barrientos-Diaz, O., Pissinatti, A., Sortica, V. A., Ottoni, E. B., Segatto, A. L. A., Turchetto-Zolet, A. C., & Bortolini, M. C. (2023). Insights into the evolutionary history of the most skilled tool-handling platyrrhini monkey: Sapajus libidinosus from the Serra da Capivara National Park. Genetics and Molecular Biology, 46(3 suppl 1). https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2023-0165