Multi-generational persistence of traditions in neighbouring meerkat groups |
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Authors: | Alex Thornton Jamie Samson Tim Clutton-Brock |
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Affiliation: | 1.Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK;2.Kalahari Meerkat Project, Kuruman River Reserve, Van Zylsrus 8467, Northern Cape, South Africa |
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Abstract: | Reports of socially transmitted traditions based on behavioural differences between geographically separated groups of conspecifics are contentious because they cannot exclude genetic or environmental causes. Here, we report persistent differences between neighbouring groups of meerkats (Suricata suricatta) where extensive gene flow precludes genetic differentiation. Over 11 years, some groups consistently emerged later from their sleeping burrows in the morning than others, despite complete turnovers in group membership and the influx of immigrants. Group territories overlapped and, in many cases, the same sleeping burrows were used by different groups. Differences persisted even after accounting for effects of group size, weather and burrow characteristics, and were unrelated to food availability within territories. These results provide compelling evidence that the emergence times of meerkat groups represent conservative traditions. |
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Keywords: | culture meerkats social learning Suricata suricatta traditions |
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