Tolerant macaque species are less impulsive and reactive

• DOI: 10.1007/s10071-023-01789-8
• Publication Date: 2023-05-28T07:01:26Z
• Authors: Louise Loyant; Bridget M. Waller; Jérôme Micheletta; Hélène Meunier; Sébastien Ballesta; Marine Joly
• Keywords: Inhibitory control

Inhibitory control, the inhibition of impulsive behaviours, is believed to be key in navigating a complex social environment. Species characterised by higher tolerance, living more groups, with diverse relationships, face uncertainty regarding outcome interactions and, therefore, would benefit from employing inhibitory strategies. To date, little known about selective forces that favour evolution control. In this study, we compared control skills three closely related macaque species which differ their tolerance style. We tested 66 macaques two institutions (Macaca mulatta, low tolerance; M. fascicularis, medium and tonkeana, high tolerance) using battery validated touchscreen tasks. Higher was associated enhanced performances. More tolerant were less distracted pictures unknown conspecifics. Interestingly, did not find evidence degree performance reversal learning. Overall, our results support hypothesis has promoted development socio-cognitive cope demands complexity