Humans, primates apart?
Certainly.
But where do you really draw the line?
It is this ontological question that Joël Fagot, Nicolas Claidière and Julie Gullstrand are studying from the CNRS primatology station, located near Aix-en-Provence.
A few months ago, they proved the ability of baboons to arbitrarily develop social conventions among themselves.
An ability previously thought to be reserved for humans.
The team is studying more precisely the social and personal cognition of baboons and then comparing it to humans.
Recently, Joël Fagot was able to highlight the evolution of baboons' faculties of learning, reactivity and memorization during their lifetime.
A study made possible by their device, unique in the world.
The laboratory has been following a social group of 24 individuals, made up of six different families, for fourteen years.
To study the evolution of their personal cognitive capacity, the researchers offer monkeys the opportunity to participate freely in computer games, with problems to solve and rewards at stake.
Enough to produce on average nearly 1,000 interactions per day and per animal that are visibly fond of these games (or rewards).
A colossal source of data that enriches the research and reputation of this laboratory directed and set up by Joël Fagot.
They also observe the social interactions between individuals and families of this group over the long term.
Planet
Understand everything about the mysterious plastic microbead pollution that soils the Atlantic coast
Planet
Rise in winter, fall in spring... What can we learn from ten years of counting birds in our gardens?
Aix en Provence
Paca
20 minute video
Science
Research
Monkey
Planet
CNRS