Early behavioral development in capuchins (Cebus)

Capuchin infants (genus Cebus) are born in a behaviorally more altricial state than is known for infants of other primate taxa except apes. Development in the first 2 months after birth is characterized by the major reorganization of sleeping and waking, assumption of postural control and the appearance of prehension. Capuchins develop postural control, prehension and locomotion later than do squirrel monkeys, baboons or macaques, presenting a pattern of motor development intermediate between these relatively more precocial genera and apes. Capuchins provide a useful model primate system in which to study development and its links with behavioral variability and life history.