"Spatial construction by chimpanzees"

第17回 (2005年4月22日) Patrizia Poti（Institute for Cognitive Sciences and Technologies） "Spatial construction by chimpanzees"
ABSTRACT
Combining objects with each other is a basic way by which human and nonhuman primates acquire and express knowledge about spatial relations. In particular, repeating a spatial relation is a fundamental way to understanding that relation at a higher level than perception or recognition. However, different types of spatial relations imply different levels in understanding inter-object relations and coordinating positions in space. For example, stacking relations only require one place, one dimension and one direction of object placement and so minimal coordination between objectsﾕ positions, whereas next-to relations can be constructed along different dimensions and directions of object placement and require much more coordination and planning. Six human and enculturated chimpanzees, including two bonobos, age 6 and 11 years, and four chimpanzees, ages 6 to 21 years, were presented with sets of 12 objects, that comprised one or two or three different forms. The chimpanzees' ability to repeat inter-object spatial relations was examined. Results showed that chimpanzees repeated next-to relations with more primitive procedures than stacking relations. Therefore, chimpanzees can master simultaneous spatial relations between separate elements and coordinate independent positions in space only to a limited extent.