What chemical communication practice involves white-faced capuchins urinating on their hands and feet?

Answer

Serving as an olfactory signal trail

In addition to behaviors focused strictly on caloric intake, white-faced capuchins engage in activities related to chemical interaction, some serving communicative functions rather than providing direct nutrition. One such observed practice involves the individual anointing its own extremities by urinating on its hands and feet. This action is hypothesized to function as a method of chemical signaling or marking. By depositing this scent, the capuchin likely creates an olfactory trail or marker that can be detected by other members of its social group. This type of marking behavior helps in navigation, identification, or maintaining cohesion within the troop as they move through dense forest environments.

What chemical communication practice involves white-faced capuchins urinating on their hands and feet?

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