This document summarizes research on primates and their use of tools. It begins by defining primates and noting their close relation to humans. It then discusses the historical view that only humans used and made tools, whereas now it is recognized that both apes and humans can use and make simple tools. While apes demonstrate an ability to modify their environment, they lack a material culture of tool transmission seen in humans. Possible reasons for this difference are explored, such as anatomical limitations or inability to imitate, but these are dismissed. The document suggests the key difference is humans' capacity for conceptual thinking, symbolic behavior, and cumulative learning that allows progressive development of tool usage over generations.

1. THE SCIENCE OF CULTURE
Chapter 3
On the Use of Tools By Primates
Hande Işık
METU
ID 501 Literature Review

2. Definition of Primates
• Any of various omnivorous mammals of the order Primates,
comprising the three suborders Anthropoidea (humans,great a
pes, gibbons, Old World monkeys, and New Worldmonkeys),
Prosimii (lemurs, loris, and their allies),and Tarsioidea (tarsiers)
especially distinguished by the hands, varied locomotion, and
by complex flexible behavior,involving a high level of social
interaction and cultural adaptability.
• Closest relatives of men.

3. Tool-Using of Men and Apes
Historically:
• Men  The only tool user animals
• Men  The only tool maker animals
(Duke of Argyll, Edward Clodd)
• Both men and apes are able to use and make
tools. (Wolfgang Köhler, Schnierla)

4. Tool-Using of Men and Apes
• Apes demonstrate the ability to modify their
environment.
– The basis for tool-using process
• But, they do not have a material culture.
• WHY?

5. Possible Reasons of Lacking Material
Culture of Apes
• Is it because
– they have anatomical or sensory shortcomings?
– they are inable to transmit tool knowledge via
imitation?
– they do not need the long term advantage of tool
using?
NO!
• Lack of Intelligence
– Possible but not sufficient

6. Material Culture of Men
Men Apes
• Conceptual • Conceptual Thinking
Thinking • Neuro-Sensory-
• Neuro-Sensory- Muscular Structure
Muscular Structure •Insights,
• Symbolic behavior Understanding
unique to men •Discrete Series of
• Cumulative and episodes
Progressive process
of tool-using

7. Q/A

8. Thanks for listening...