Art of Science: Partners in Puzzles

Collaboration is common in humans, but how far does it extend? This is the foundational question that Aaron Mencia is investigating by studying 10 bonded pairs of owl monkeys with special attention on this pair named Kai and Winston.

Mencia’s picture of the two monkeys earned top honor as student in the field in annual Art of Science photography contest.

“Photography is a way for people to connect with animals they might never work with,” said Mencia, a graduate student in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. “It helps show that these animals have personalities, relationships and agency.”

In the image, Kai cautiously waits behind Winston. The pair curiously watch Mencia as he set up a puzzle box designed to test problem-solving skills and their cooperative behavior to land them a couple of sweet treats of berries or raisins.

While the study explores the pair working together to solve the task, it also reveals behavioral differences, including how confident and timid individuals respond differently to challenges.

Through Art of Science, Mencia said he hopes viewers pause long enough to see more than just a cute photo and leave with a deeper appreciation for the animals behind the research.

“They’re all individuals,” Mencia said. “You can’t generalize their personalities. That’s something people don’t always realize.”