The video discusses the culture and behavior of Japanese macaques, also known as "snow monkeys." These monkeys live in the mountains of Japan and are known for their intelligence and adaptability. The video explores their social structure, communication methods, and ability to learn and pass down new behaviors. Specifically, it tells the story of a macaque named Imo who learned to wash sweet potatoes in a stream and then passed this behavior on to her peers. The video also mentions the monkeys' use of hot springs and their ability to use tools, such as stones, to crack open shellfish. Overall, the video showcases the complex and fascinating culture of Japanese macaques.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Japanese macaques live on Koshima Island in the south of Japan.
2. The macaques on Koshima Island have been provisioned with food, including sweet potatoes, for nearly 75 years.
3. Researchers bring food to the macaques and study their behavior.
4. Japanese macaques are also known as "snow monkeys" because they live in cold climates.
5. They are the only non-human primates that live in areas with significant snowfall.
6. As the temperature gets colder, the macaques' fur gets thicker, except on their buttocks.
7. In the 1960s, some Japanese macaques were spotted using an outdoor hot spring at a resort.
8. The macaques got used to the hot spring and soon all of them were using it.
9. The people built a special hot spring for the macaques, and now they pay to take pictures of them.
10. Japanese macaques live in the mountains in the north of Japan, where it snows a lot.
11. They are good at adapting to winter and have thicker fur to keep warm.
12. Female macaques have a swelling on their genitals and perineum when they are fertile.
13. The macaques have a strict social hierarchy, with each individual having a rank within the troop.
14. They use various ways to reinforce their social order, including grooming and facial expressions.
15. The power in the troop is centered on mature lineages of mothers and daughters.
16. Young males are often kicked out of the troop around puberty.
17. Macaques are smart and have been observed using tools, such as stones, to crack open shellfish.
18. Some troops have their own preferences for types of stones to use.
19. Japanese macaques have been observed washing sweet potatoes in a freshwater stream.
20. A macaque named Imo was observed washing sweet potatoes in the 1950s, and this behavior spread to other macaques.
21. Imo also figured out how to separate wheat grains from sand by using water.
22. Imo's innovations showed how macaques learn new things and how those learnings become traditions.