Chimpanzee Study Unveils Ancient Roots of Cultural Transmission

New research reveals how female migrations have shaped the spread of advanced tool use and cumulative culture among chimpanzees over millennia.

A study published in *Science* demonstrates that chimpanzees possess cumulative culture, where knowledge and tool use improve across generations through social learning.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from 240 chimpanzees across Africa, tracing migrations over the past 15,000 years and linking them to the spread of advanced tool-use behaviors.
Female chimpanzees, who migrate to new groups upon reaching sexual maturity, play a key role in transmitting cultural knowledge, including complex foraging techniques.
The study highlights examples of advanced tool use, such as multi-step processes to extract termites or crack nuts, which are more prevalent in genetically connected populations.
Findings suggest parallels between chimpanzee cultural evolution and early human innovation, with implications for conservation efforts that consider preserving animal cultural diversity alongside biodiversity.