culture in non-human animals

Culture in non-human animals refers to learned behaviors and social practices passed between individuals within a group, often across generations. This can include communication methods, foraging techniques, tool use, and social structures. Unlike instinctive behaviors, these cultural traits are learned through observation and imitation. Examples include chimpanzees using sticks to fish for termites, dolphins developing unique calls, and orca pods having distinct hunting strategies. Animal culture illustrates the complexity of social learning, emphasizing that some species share rich, diverse lifestyles shaped by their environments and interactions, similar to human cultures.