Ordinal Representation of Numeric Quantities by Brown Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus apella).

Abstract

Using techniques established by E. M. Brannon and H. S. Terrace (2000) with rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), the authors tested the ability of brown capuchins (Cebus apella) to order arrays of items ranging in quantity from 1 to 9. Three monkeys were trained on a touch screen to select the quantities 1-4 in ascending order. The monkeys exhibited successful transfer of this ability to novel representations of the quantities 1-4 and to pairs of the novel quantities 5-9. Patterns of responding with respect to numeric distance and magnitude were similar to those seen in human subjects, suggesting the use of similar psychological processes. The capuchins demonstrated an ordinal representation of quantity equivalent to that shown in Old World monkeys.