TABLE 2.

Critical elements of termite‐gathering

Critical element	Definition
Identify hole a	Probes with finger, mops, sniffs, or looks into termite exit hole on nest.
Manually open termite exit hole a	Attempts to open termite exit hole by picking at soil with fingers.
Manipulate fishing probe a	Possesses tool with any body part and may hold, carry, or play with tool.
Mound plus tool a	Actively contacts termite nest with probe but does not insert tool.
Insert fishing probe a	Inserts probe into hole on surface of the termite nest.
Straighten brush fibers	Pulls tool through mouth, hands or fingers to straighten brush fibers.
Extract termites a	Successfully acquires termites on a minimum of three different attempts to insert and extract fishing probe during the same visit to a nest.
Fray end of tool to brush	Uses teeth or hand to fray the end of tool into a brush.
Manufacture brush‐tipped fishing probe	Detaches raw material; uses teeth or hands to fray the end of the tool; and inserts or attempts to insert tool into termite nest.
Perforate epigeal nest	Presses the tip of a woody twig tool into the sealed tunnels of a termite nest, often rotating wrist to drill the tip into the nest.
Tool set: Perforate + fish b	Perforates termite nest, then inserts and extracts fishing probe.
Puncture subterranean nest	Pushes woody puncturing stick through the ground into a subterranean termite nest and successfully creates a new fishing tunnel.
Tool set: Puncture + fish b	Punctures subterranean termite nest, then inserts and extracts fishing probe.

^aIndicates that elements are also observed at Gombe.

^bTool set use was scored even if chimpanzees did not have success fishing on the first occasion the behavior was observed.