Tool use increases mechanical foraging success and tooth health in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Law, Chris J.; Tinker, M. Tim; Fujii, Jessica A.; Nicholson, Teri; Staedler, Michelle; Tomoleoni, Joseph A.; Young, Colleen; Mehta, Rita S.
• 署名单位: University of Washington; University of Washington Seattle; University of Texas System; University of Texas Austin; University of California System; University of California Santa Cruz; United States Department of the Interior; United States Geological Survey; Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
• 刊物名称: SCIENCE
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0036-10780
• DOI: 10.1126/science.adj6608
• 发表日期: 2024-05-17
• 页码: 798-802
• 关键词: individual variation; specialization; reproduction; diversification; chimpanzees; pathology; BEHAVIOR; models; cost; AGE

摘要

Although tool use may enhance resource utilization, its fitness benefits are difficult to measure. By examining longitudinal data from 196 radio-tagged southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis), we found that tool-using individuals, particularly females, gained access to larger and/or harder-shelled prey. These mechanical advantages translated to reduced tooth damage during food processing. We also found that tool use diminishes trade-offs between access to different prey, tooth condition, and energy intake, all of which are dependent on the relative prey availability in the environment. Tool use allowed individuals to maintain energetic requirements through the processing of alternative prey that are typically inaccessible with biting alone, suggesting that this behavior is a necessity for the survival of some otters in environments where preferred prey are depleted.