Is the use of natural hot springs for thermoregulation an innate behavior for all Japanese macaques?
Answer
No, it is a learned cultural practice spread through social learning
The behavior of bathing in natural hot springs, or onsen, is not innate across the species; rather, it is a learned cultural practice that spreads within specific social groups through observation and social learning.
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Which Japanese island lacks the presence of the native Japanese macaque population?What is a key physical feature distinguishing the Japanese macaque, unusual for a macaque species?Is the use of natural hot springs for thermoregulation an innate behavior for all Japanese macaques?How is the social rank of a female Japanese macaque primarily determined within the troop hierarchy?In the matrilineal system, what rank position does a daughter acquire relative to her mother?How many different plant species are Japanese macaques known to consume?When heavy snow makes vegetation inaccessible, what dietary components might Japanese macaques consume in winter?Approximately how long is the gestation period for a Japanese macaque?Why are Japanese macaques specifically valuable for comparative biomedical studies against other models?Why is feeding Japanese macaques by visitors generally discouraged or prohibited in managed areas?What general physical feature helps insulate Japanese macaques against cold northern temperatures?Besides using hot springs, what is another cold survival strategy employed by troops living in non-onsen areas?