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The role of juveniles in animal culture

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 July 2026

Katherine McAuliffe Open the ORCID record for Katherine McAuliffe [Opens in a new window]  and
Alex Thornton
Katherine McAuliffe*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA mcaulikg@bc.edu
Alex Thornton
Affiliation:
Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK alex.thornton@exeter.ac.uk
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

Lew-Levy and Amir argue that the cultural role of human children has been overlooked. Juveniles have been similarly overlooked in research on animal culture. Youngsters are often innovative, and ample opportunities exist for cultural transmission to peers and adults. We review the evidence and argue that the young may be a powerful cultural force in human and nonhuman societies alike.

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Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 49 , 2026 , e240
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press

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