Behavioral development and maternal care in tufted capuchins (Cebus apella) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) from birth through seven months.

Fourteen infant capuchins and eight squirrel monkeys reared by their mothers in captive species-typical social groups were observed from birth through 7 months. Motoric altriciality of the neonatal capuchin relative to the squirrel monkey is a key feature of behavioral differences between the species in the first few months after birth. Infants of the two species differed substantially in age at onset of independent locomotion, the developmental profile of independent activities, and the overall amount and rate of particular social activities. Capuchins displayed a lag of 7 weeks relative to squirrel monkeys in the pattern of increasing time spent alone; lags in other indices of independent activity and exploratory behaviors were also evident, although not as clear-cut. The species also differed substantially in the nature and frequency of social interactions between infants and others. Capuchins, especially later-born infants of multiparous mothers, experienced a more socially interactive infancy than squirrel monkeys. Contrasts in behavioral developmental and infant care in the two species are related to the timing and duration of the weaning process.