Learning and Communication
(Photo by Katy Jenkyns used with permission of the Sumatran Orangutan Society)
Most orangutan learning is thought to occur through observation. The primary example of such learning is the requisition of mothering skills.As a result of the long birth intervals in orangutans, young females often do not have the opportunity to observe their natural mothers parent a new offspring. Many times the best hope an adolescent female has to observe mothering skills is through brief interactions with non-related adult females at a common food source (Kaplan; Rodgers, 2000). While the lack of observed mother/infant interaction is not essential, literature suggests that the interaction with the mother for the proper amount of time is. Studies show that females prematurely removed from their mothers have trouble when it comes to parenting (Kaplan; Rodgers, 2000).
The mother/infant bond is important in other types of learning as well. Orangutans have been observed to sample the mother’s food to learn acceptable foods as well as follow her hand and learn the feel of the source in order to be able to locate food upon separation from the mother (Kaplan; Rodgers, 2000). Imitation seems to be yet another strategy of learning survival skills. The two main areas where this strategy is used is in locomotion and food collection (Kaplan; Rodgers, 2000).
Tool Use:
Orangutans have displayed signs of intelligent tool use in the wild. Two forms
of tool use reported by researchers include the use of a branch hook for locomotion
and the use of leaf pads to aid in feeding (Fox et al). The use of the branch
hook is seen when orangutans are traveling through the trees and are unable
to breech the gap between trees that are separated a great deal. Leaf pads are
used to protect hands from the rough skin of certain rain forest fruits.
These tool uses along with other forms of learned behavior have suggested some level of orangutan culture, which was previously thought to be non-existent. This hypothesis is related to the presence of some behaviors in one group of orangutans, which is absent in others (Van Schaik). The behaviors are learned from members of a group and passed on from one generation to the next. This would seem to suggest there is some level of socialization among solitary orangutans.
Communication:
(permission requested from http://www.orangutan.com/index.htm)
Photo depicts large throat sac used for vocalizations, primarily long calls
Three main types of Non vocal Communication:
Body gestures
- Shaking and gesturing as if throwing sticks indicates a disapproval of the
situation and indicates a desire for an intruder to leave (Kaplan; Rodgers,
2000).
- Bearing teeth- an expression of aggression (this is often mistaken for smiling,
although it is quite the opposite) (Kaplan; Rodgers, 2000).
Facial Expressions:
Orangutans display many of the same facial expressions as other primates and
humans. They use their faces to show anxiety, fear, aggression, anger and delight
(Kaplan; Rodgers, 2000).
Visual Signaling:
(Thought to be the most important)
- Involve the whole body including posture and movement
- Stretching, jumping, arching back
- Lip smacking, hair bristling, as well as waving head shaking moving or raising
of the arms and hands.
- Thrashing on chest
(All data retrieved from Kaplan; Rodgers, 2000)
Vocalizations:
Orangutans, like other animals use vocal sounds to communicate. Orangutans as a rule have a less complex communication system than that of other primates (Kaplan; Rodgers, 2000). While this may lead some to think the orangutans are less intelligent, studies have shown that the vocalizations of primates are dependent upon their habitats (Kaplan; Rodgers, 2000). Thus since orangutans are primarily solitary, one would assume them to have a less developed method of communication. Due to this, it is hypothesized that other forms of communication in the orangutan carry a greater importance. When vocalization is employed it is observed to be sexually dimorphic, and primarily utilized by the male.
This web page was created as an undergraduate assignment at Davidson College
Please send questions, comments and suggusestions to:Jaclyn Beaghan
Davidson College Animal Behavior Page
