When Fruit Runs Out, These Monkeys Turn to Hunting—and It May Explain How Humans Started Eating Meat
When Fruit Is Scarce, These Monkeys Hunt Animals
A 5,000-hour study of bearded capuchins in northeastern Brazil reveals that when fruit is scarce, these normally plant-eating monkeys hunt a surprisingly wide range of small vertebrates—from lizards and rodents to snakes, opossums, and bird nestlings. The behavior, observed in 446 instances, was more common among adult and juvenile males, and the monkeys often ate brains and guts first for a quick energy boost. Researchers suggest this seasonal hunting might mirror how early hominins coped with food scarcity, offering a possible 'stepping stone' to the regular meat-eating that shaped human evolution.
This may allow them to obtain energy-rich fats and other nutrients quickly, which could be especially advantageous when prey is likely to be taken by another group member.
- strictnein
Conversely, when animals are scarce, wolves will eat lots of blueberries.
https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-wolves-may-be-helping-...
- DoctorOetker
> Among primatologists, bearded capuchins are famous for using stone tools to obtain food. They’ve been observed placing palm nuts on a hard surface and smashing them with rocks to reveal the tasty kernels inside. Wild females have also been seen using sticks or blades of grass to pick their noses and eat any boogers they extract.
why would eating boogers be a selective advantage? They eat each other's boogers as well? the wild males are never observed participating?
- kleton
Once a horse gets a taste for baby chicks, it's hard to convince them they aren't omnivorous.
- DarmokTanagra
Most Asian primates that I have encountered are omnivores, especially if you include insects and small reptiles/amphibians.
Is that not the case in Central/South America?
- lxe
Related somewhat: ground squirrels in Bay Area park started actively started hunting voles.
https://www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news/carnivorous-feeding-squ...