Correlation of Cognitive Abilities of Male Hamadryas Baboon with Age and Hierarchical Status

Abstract

We studied the correlation between the rank and age of baboons (n=12) with their cognitive abilities. A positive correlation was found between performances of different tests by male. The ability to solve the tests related to bait placement depended on the age of the males and age-related hierarchical status. Four-year-old males performed these tests in 52% of cases, whereas five-year-old males, who reached a higher hierarchical status by this age solved with them in 93% of cases. In the tests for exploratory activity and the ability to learn skills, the differences between the four-year-olds and the five-year-old males are not received.