Nathan Shatz
Pronouns: he/him/his
Research Mentor(s): Thore Bergman
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Psychology / LSA
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Oral5
Session: Session 5 – 3:40pm – 4:30 pm
Room: Breakout Room 6
Authors: Nicki Guisneuf, Nathan Shatz
Presenter: 2
Abstract
The Capuchins at Taboga research project is a long term research project studying the behavior and cognition of white faced Capuchins in Costa Rica. The “Communication and Behavior of Monkeys” subproject, led by Dr. Thore Bergman at the University of Michigan, studies the link between vocal repertoire complexity and the social environment by analyzing the vocal patterns made by the Capuchin species and their behavior in context. Researchers in the field, equipped with microphones and GPS, conduct “vocal focals”, where the vocal behavior of Capuchins is captured, and their behavior in context is described by the researchers in the recordings. Acoustic data is collected and analyzed based on metrics such as frequency, duration and pitch. Using this data, researchers are able to identify correlations between certain types of vocalizations and specific behaviors to better understand how Capuchins communicate in social settings. Researcher Nicki Guisneuf is coordinating a project that analyzes focal data and acoustic data to better understand the ontogeny of the twitter call: a vocalization that seemingly changes in use as Capuchin monkeys develop socially. Previously, primate vocalizations tended to be considered fixed and innate, with little acoustic modification through development. Observations in the field have led to hypotheses that suggest the twitter call may in fact be used in different contexts and for different purposes across developmental stages. By analyzing the focal and acoustic data surrounding the twitter call, this research may produce new knowledge about the flexibility in use and context of calls made by primates as they develop from infancy to adulthood.
Interdisciplinary, Natural/Life Sciences
