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The Evolution of Behavior Behavior
An action in response to internal or external stimuli. Response to environment.
Deliberate or unconscious. Behavioral Ecology
Natural environment
Behaviors Biological traits
Genes
The Evolution of Behavior Behavioral phenotypes transmitted
genetically at faster rate than others. Genetic + Environmental Factors =
Behavior There are different limits & potentials for
learning in various species. (i.e. Rabbit vs. Chimpanzee)
Primate Social Structure Social structures result
from natural selection. Primates are among the
most social of animals.
Factors Influencing Social Structure: Body Size BMR & diet Distribution of Resources Predation Relation to other species Dispersal Life histories Sleeping sites Activity patterns Human activities
Primate Social Behavior: Dominance
dominance hierarchies. Access to resources. Factors influencing dominance status:
Sex • Intelligence Age • Motivation Aggression • Mother’s social position Time in the group
Primate Social Behavior:
Communication Autonomic vs. Deliberate communication.
Reassurance is communicated through hugging or holding hands.
The fear grin, seen in all primates, indicates fear and submission.
Displays communicate emotional states.
Primate Social Behavior: Aggression & Affiliative Behaviors
Competition for resources Signals & displays Tense situations Core area & territorialism Affiliative behaviors
Physical contact Altruism
Patterns of Reproduction Estrus Cycle No permanent bonding Reproductive strategies
K-selected & R-selected Male competition for mates
= sexual selection
Sexual Selection A type of natural selection that operates
on one sex, usually males. Increase frequency of traits (successful
mates). Sexual selection dimorphism Infanticide as a reproductive strategy?
Reasons
Primate Cultural Behavior Basic social unit Polygamous relations, males
are not active. Experiments with orphan
Monkeys. Do apes have culture?
Learned through observation
Examples of culture
Language
Communicating abstract thoughts. Closed system of communication Challenges to these views:
Vervet monkeys Distinct calls for specific references Film examples
The Primate Continuum Humans have bigger brains but same
neurological processes. Ethical dilemmas in the study of our closest
relatives. Should we study/exploit them for our benefit? We cage nonhuman primates without regard
for their needs. Nonhuman primates should be maintained in
social groups and introduced to habitat enrichment programs.
1. Dominance hierarchies
a) guarantee that dominant males are more reproductively successful.
b) result in dominant individuals having priority access to food.
c) don't guarantee a reproductive advantage in dominant males.
d) are permanent.
2. Affiliative behaviors
a) arise when there is competition for resources.
b) enhance group cohesiveness.
c) are rare among primates.
d) may include displays.
3. Vervet monkey communicationa) is used to support the theory that
primate vocalizations do not include external events or objects.
b) is limited to scent marking and an occasional bark.
c) includes specific sounds for different categories of predators (air, tree or ground).
d) is sophisticated with regard to food.
Answer: c Vervet monkey communication includes
specific sounds for different categories of predators (air, tree or ground).
4. In a group's territory there is usually a _________________ area where the highest concentration of resources can be found.
Answer: core In a group's territory there is usually a
core area where the highest concentration of resources can be found.
In Class Primate ActivityUsing information from chapters 6 & 7 in thetext and the films, form small groups todiscuss the following questions:1. What are some similarities humans share with primates?
(anatomical & behavioral) List 5+2. Define and give an example (3)of the following primate
behaviors:1. Altruism, aggression, communication, dominance &
reproductive strategies.3. List the following:
1. Three examples of Prosimians and Anthropoids as well as their characteristics
2. Discuss why infanticide is seen as reproductive strategy. Do you agree? Why or why not?
3. Describe and give examples of language & cognitive abilities of apes. Do apes have language or only humans do?