Infanticide is a frequent event among non-human primates, and is a phenomenon that has been interpreted in various different ways (Borries et al., 1999). Although it is a fact adult male primates frequently try to commit infanticide, the question of why they commit it is frequently debated (Borries et al., 1999). One of the most generally accepted theories for infanticide is the sexual selection hypothesis, which claims infanticide is a reproductive strategy to improve one’s fitness, or have more offspring (Borries et al., 1999). As producing more offspring means a higher chance of the father’s genetics passing on to future generations, the presence of other males and the offspring of those males can be a threat to one’s dominance (Borries …show more content…
Infanticide among langur monkeys is a common example used in the debate between social pathology and sexual selection (Moore, 1999). Although male langurs have been observed to have offspring with the mother of an infant they killed, supporters of the social pathology hypothesis claim langurs frequently commit infanticide due to high population density (Borries et al., 1999; Moore, 1999). However, most proponents of the sexual selection hypothesis criticize these supporters for a lack of evidence on any notable connections between infanticide and population density (Moore, 1999). Even those who may not fully support either theory have evidence against some aspects of the social pathology hypothesis; one particular study implies high population density among langurs is more related to variation of gender distribution within groups and aggressive behaviors that lead to males trying to invade other groups (Moore, 1999). Although this may suggest population density can be a factor for committing infanticide, there is less evidence supporting this idea than the concept of infanticide as a reproductive strategy. This essentially means the examples and reasoning used for the social pathology hypothesis is much less solid in comparison to evidence for the sexual selection …show more content…
Multiple studies of gorillas suggest environmental changes have led to higher chances of infanticide; however, this refers to ‘causational factors,’ or factors that can produce more situations for infanticide to occur (Yamagiwa et al., 2009). In Rwanda during the 1960’s, part of the gorilla population’s habitat was converted into farmland, leading to smaller ranges between various groups within the population (Yamagiwa et al., 2009). Due to this human intervention, different groups of gorillas were more likely to encounter each other instead of remaining in their own ranges; therefore, this environmental change caused a scenario where infanticide is more likely to occur, but the change itself did not directly lead to any pathological behaviors (Yamagiwa et al., 2009). Furthermore, these encounters between different groups within a species imply it is more likely most instances of infanticide among gorillas was caused by a male from outside a group trying to assert dominance. This change, as well as more frequent poaching, produced circumstances in which conflict between groups was more likely to happen (Yamagiwa et al., 2009). As such, this example is evidence against the social pathology hypothesis, as it states male primates may even kill
A Primate’s Memoir, written by Robert Sapolsky, documents the author’s time in Kenya while he studied the various behaviors of a troop of baboons. One of the key aspects of the book was the social rank that developed within the troop. Female baboons have a social hierarchy that is fairly cut and dry. The eldest baboons in the troop are considered the higher-ranking females, and as the baboons get younger, so to follows the string of dominance. The ranking for males was essentially from the strongest baboons to the weakest baboons. The baboon at the top of the social hierarchy was considered the alpha male. This social rank has huge implications for the troop in regards to which baboons mated with each other. If another baboon wanted to become the alpha male, then he would have to challenge the current alpha male to a fight, and win. The baboon’s distinct personality mixed with their instincts are the primary factors for where one lands on the social hierarchy. Another key aspect of the book was the strategies that took place when the baboons wanted to mate with another baboon. Similar to humans, the baboon males tried to impress the female baboons in a way that would make them want to mate. The rank of the male is considered to be one of the greatest factors contributing to what mate they end up with, because there is nothing more impressive than becoming a high-ranking baboon. Also, there were instances of lower-ranking baboons strategizing and forming teams with other baboons to become a higher ranking baboon for the mating possibilities. The baboons in the group are considered a patch-work of different troops, as it is common for one baboon to move to different groups frequently.
During the twentieth century, Harry Harlow performed one of the most controversial experiments that led to a scientific breakthrough concerning the parent-child relationship. It paved the way for understanding terms such as secure, insecure, ambivalent, and disorganized relationships (Bernstein, 2014, 364). During the course of this study, Harlow separated baby monkeys from their birth mothers and isolated them in frightening environments. According to the video “H.H. Overview”, this proved the monkey’s preference for a comforting mother versus a nutritional one. However, this raises the question: can his experiments be deemed ethical, or did his scientific inquiry overstep boundaries?
Harms, William. "Professor Finds That Nonhuman Primates Have Evolutionary Reason to Bond with Their Offspring." Professor Finds That Nonhuman Primates Have Evolutionary Reason to Bond with Their Offspring. The University of Chicago Chronicle, 12 July 2001. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.
Quiatt, D., & Reynolds, V. (1993). Primate behaviour: information, social knowledge, and the evolution of culture. Cambridge [England: Cambridge University Press].
Throughout situations and research conducted by not only Robert Sapolsky or Jane Goodman, but from many other credited sources, we can blatantly see the, if not identical, similarities between the two species of humans and baboons. The most apparent likewise characteristics of this can be read and documented in Professor Sapolsky’s book, A Primate’s Memoirs. Sapolsky, who spent hundreds if not thousands, of hours studying these Savanna Baboons, sheds a vast insight into ideas of social dominance, mating strategies, instinctual prowess, community settings, hygiene, and reform of an entire generation; many of which can be unknowingly seen directly in the common occurrence of a humans daily life.
Do non-human primates have culture? Discuss several studies of non-human primate behaviour and the evidence for the development of culture, or "proto-culture" among non-human primates. You may want to consider such aspects of their behaviour as reproductive strategies, aggression and conflict, or language capabilities and development, among others. How does the behavioural ecology of nonhuman primates inform us of the behaviour of our earliest ancestors?
5. Kellert, S.R. and E.O. Wilson, editors. 1993 The Biophilia Hypothesis. Island Press, Washington, DC
In the early 1950s, Harry Harlow’s famous study of rhesus monkeys to determine attachment relationships demonstrated that infant rhesus monkeys raised in isolation, preferred the comfort of a cloth-covered surrogate mother to that of a wire-mesh surrogate with an attached feeding bottle. Harlow wished to dispute the traditional view that affection and mother–infant attachment was based on food, and his experiments had clearly demonstrated that the foundations of attachment were not associated solely with the need for nourishment. A more important facet of human nature was that the profoundly meaningful act of physical intimacy plays a greater role in the health of an infant than nourishment alone. (Vicedo 2009)
Social groups of primates closely relate to sexual dimorphism, because how each of their communities interact with one another plays a large role in sexual selection. Sexual selection, as Darwin stated, is a key factor and cause in the morphological dimorphism between sexes of a species. Additionally, sexual selection comes from male competition, which directly correlates to primate’s social structures. For example, genus gorilla is a part of a polygynous mating system, which consists of one male and multiple female. This creates an environment where males must compete with one another to reproduce and create offspring. Due to this competition, males must prove to be strong and attract themselves to females to ensure reproductive success. These strong male traits are favored in sexual selection, because the females are highly particular about the male they mate with, so there become specific male traits that are most desirable. Therefore, in polygynous groups, sexual dimorphism is the greatest (Frayer, Wolpoff, 1985). In comparison, a monogamous primate such as genus hylobate or gibbons has a social structure that consists of a more nuclear based family. There is a lot less male competition because males do not mate with multiple females. Therefore, primates are less dimorphic in monogamous social structures (Frayer, Wolpoff,
Infanticide is not unique to humans. It is practiced by many mammals including some primates. The main difference between human and animal infanticide is that infanticide in humans is performed by the parent(s) of the child while in the case of animals it is usually a male suitor (Caldwell and Caldwell, 2005, p. 208). In pre-modern societies infanticide was done instead of abortions as it allowed for sexual selection, it was much more effective than pre-modern contraception, and it did not require any special skills or esoteric knowledge (Caldwell and Caldwell,2005, p. 205). Infanticide has a history as a method of population control. It is more frequent to throw away girl babies. This may be because of dowries or other cultural reasons. Infanticide seems to occur primarily when it aids one parent, both parents or additional children to survive better or if when the infant has little chance of survival.
The topic I chose to write about is “The Abortion Controversy” because it is a complex issue. It is a debate between people who see abortion as a moral issue (pro-life) and those who value a woman’s right to choose what to do with her own body (pro-choice). The debate between these two groups has been going on for decades.
Every day, 370,000 babies are born into this world- each having the potential to live a prosperous and productive life. Unfortunately, some of these tiny, fragile humans do not live until their first birthday. The death of infants within the first year of life is known as infant mortality. There are many contributing factors as to why infant mortality may be high or low in a specific area. In order to measure the amount of deaths that occur in a particular region, the number of newborns that die before the age of one year old per 1,000 live births are recorded and is known as the infant mortality rate in that society. Generally, the infant mortality rate of a country directly reflects on the health-care system provided. Unfortunately, in today’s world, a child dies every four seconds.
As stated in the article, “each ape’s social success depends on what other group members are up to, natural selection has favored the capacity for social maneuvers and [superior intelligence]” (2). Natural selection also favors apes because they are not ones to dwell or hold grudges on other apes when they get into feuds. Frans de Waal, a primatologist at the Arnheim Zoo in the Netherlands, shows how natural selection has also promoted the ability to strengthen the relationships of others. In his example, he gives an account of Mama, the most influential female in the colony, who would reconcile other apes after they got into
Chimpanzees (Figure 1) are the closest living relatives to us, and they share 99 percent of our DNA (1). Chimpanzees have distinct group territoriality. Male chimpanzees “patrol” near the boundary between the two ranges, at that time they move very carefully and quietly, and they can cease to listen and observe the range of their neighbors. Patrolling individuals are likely to face cruel and violent attacks, injuries, and even deaths. Intense excitement and aggressive display can occur if the two parties of two communities encounter each other. Usually, the larger group holds its ground, and interaction between different chimpanzees communities may also lead to gang attack. Expanding the community range is necessary to their social organizations, the males cooperation can defend the territory and increase the reproductive rates of the resident females by excluding female and male competitors. Body contact is common in their social life such as grooming (1). Usually, chimpanzees groom each other as a way to show harmony and solidarity in their society (Figure 2). Grooming each other demonstrates the deep bonds and close relationship between them. In addition, they can even hug, hold hands, touch, kiss each other as a way of emotional expression (2).
Infant Mortality Rate can be defined as death of an infant before his or her first birthday. These rates often help the nation to assess underlying factors such as maternal care, social & economic conditions, and individual’s access to medical care. With a world of 195 countries and estimated population of 7 billion people the chances of death are marginal. Living in the United States of America have sought out to be one of supreme beings when it comes to Infant Mortality Rate, the laws have declared it to be a crime. While looking at other countries in the Asian continent which Infant deaths are treated as sustainable way of life. The continent of Asia holds together countries that posses very high infant mortality rates. Some countries