Modelling the emergence and stability of a vertically transmitted cultural trait in bottlenose dolphins

► Sponging is a vertically, socially transmitted foraging behaviour in bottlenose dolphins. ► We investigated sponging stability and establishment with an individual-based model. ► Sponging is stably transmitted under certain conditions of learning fidelity and fitness benefits. ► Based on pairwise relatedness, sponging might have been present for at least 120 years.