What objects do white-faced capuchins use as anvils to break open hard-shelled items?

Answer

Stones

The demonstration of high intelligence in the white-faced capuchin genus is strongly evidenced by their pronounced tool use capabilities, which extend beyond simple manipulation of foliage. When foraging for nutrient-dense but physically protected food sources, such as tough nuts or hard-shelled mollusks like clams, they employ stones as anvils. This complex foraging strategy involves finding a suitable stone to act as a base or striking surface, allowing them to forcefully apply force—often by dropping the item or striking it against the stone—to breach the protective exterior. This ability to use an external object as a tool for processing food highlights a sophisticated level of cognitive function adapted to accessing resources unavailable to less dexterous primates.

What objects do white-faced capuchins use as anvils to break open hard-shelled items?

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