Question

in terms of primate behavior sponging refers to

Answer 1

The behavioural sponging was first obsereved in chimpanzees and later in other apes and closely relatng species .

Sponging is refered to as using leaf or moss as a dip spong for the purpose of drinking water . The first cases of sponging were reported in 29 year old alpha males of Uganda chimpanzees where they used to chew the leaves of certain plants then mix it with some moss and used it as a drinking medium by dipping the spong into water. This is an extremely rare phenomenon exclusively observed in Uganda chimpanzees , up until recently where this ability was reported in some nearely related species like Gibbons. Further this ability was passed on from generation to generation like a tradition.

Capuchin monkeys also tend to show sponging behaviour , however not innately but by learning. These monkeys do not use tools in their natural habitat but use them proficiently under captivity. For example : using stone to break hard nut shell or seeds and using paper towel to sponge liquid.