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  4. Vol 9, Issue 1, 2025

Evaluating Cognitive Flexibility in Non-Human Primates under Ongoing Anthropogenic Environmental Changes

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DOI: 10.23977/erej.2025.090119 | Downloads: 8 | Views: 867

Author(s)

Kaitlyn Song Zhang 1, Kathleen Griffin 1

Affiliation(s)

1 The Country Day School, 13415 Dufferin St, King City, ON L7B 1K5. Aurora, Canada

Corresponding Author

Kathleen Griffin

ABSTRACT

This paper examines how non-human primates (NHPs) use cognitive abilities to adapt their behaviour in changing environments. It is argued that while NHPs have developed cognitive adaptations to cope with resource loss, these abilities may be insufficient to counter ongoing population declines driven by human and environmental threats, such as deforestation and climate change. Simians, which are more social and active during the day, show a high level of cognitive flexibility, allowing them to respond to changes in food sources, seasonal shifts, and social interactions. Prosimians, on the other hand, tend to be nocturnal and solitary, relying more on biological traits such as enhanced senses, flexible diets, and spatial memory to survive in areas with limited resources. Despite these adaptations, both groups face growing threats from climate change, habitat loss, and other human activities. This study also points out gaps in current research, especially on wild and prosimian populations, which limits our understanding of how cognition may help NHPs survive in changing environments. To protect vulnerable primate species and their habitats, it is crucial to prioritise research and conservation efforts. This paper concludes that while NHPs have developed ways to cope with their surroundings, these skills are likely not enough to protect them from today's fast-changing environment.

KEYWORDS

Primates, Cognitive Abilities, Adaptation, Behaviour, Protection, Environmental Changes

CITE THIS PAPER

Kaitlyn Song Zhang, Kathleen Griffin, Evaluating Cognitive Flexibility in Non-Human Primates under Ongoing Anthropogenic Environmental Changes. Environment, Resource and Ecology Journal (2025) Vol. 9: 163-172. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/erej.2025.090119.

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