Chapter 6 Primate Behavior

Primate Field Studies The Evolution of Behavior Five Monkey Species in the Kebale Forest,

Uganda Primate Social Groups Primate Social Behavior Reproduction and Reproductive Strategies Mothers and Infants

Primate Field Studies

Field studies collect information on nonhuman primates in their natural habitats

Groups of many species have been studied continuously for 20 to 30 years.

Evolution of Behavior

Behaviors have evolved through the operation of natural selection.

Behavior is influenced by genetics and by interactions between genetic and environmental factors that are not fully understood.

Five Monkey species in the Kibale Forest, Uganda

Five species studied are all varieties of Old World monkeys.

Although habitats overlap, the species differ regarding anatomy, behavior and dietary preferences.

Five Monkey Species in the Kibale Forest, Uganda

Comparisons and Generalizations Omnivores move about more than folivores. Among omnivores, inverse relationship

between body size and group size.

Five Monkey Species in the Kibale Forest, Uganda

Omnivores are spatially more dispersed than folivores.

Female sexual swelling is obvious only in species that live in multimale groups.

Feeding, spacing, group residency, dispersal and reproductive strategies may be different for males and females of the same species.

Primate Social Behavior

Dominance Hierarchies impose order within the group.

Communication is universal among animals. Territoriality and acquisition of females are the

motives suggested for chimpanzee male aggression.

Affiliative Behaviors

Reinforce bonds between individuals and enhance group stability.

Hugging, kissing and grooming are used in reconciliation.

Relationships are crucial to nonhuman primates and can last a lifetime.

Altruistic behaviors are common in primates.

Patterns of Reproduction

Sexual behavior is tied to the female’s reproductive cycle.

Male and female Bonobos may mate even when the female is not in estrus, a behavior that is not typical of chimpanzees.

Mothers and Infants

The basic social unit among all primates is the female and her infants.

Except in species in which monogamy or polyandry occur, males do not participate in rearing offspring.

The mother-infant relationship is often maintained throughout life.