2 Primate Socioecology Flashcards
2 theoretical frame works for understanding primate behavior
sociobiology - examines behavior in an evolutionary context - social evolution
socioecology - examines how ecology influences behavior
2 strategies to reduce predation risk
crypsis - camouflage, often associated with primates who are nocturnal, solitary, or live in small groups
group living
3 reasons why living in a group reduces predation risk
detection - more eyes and ears
deterrence - can mob the predator
dilution - lower probability that you will be the one eaten
ask group size increases
predator risk decreases but resource competition increases
if competition for food is too high
low ranking members leave the group
Two types of competition
contest competition = food in patches, monopolizing is beneficial and some members get more than others
scramble competition = food evenly distributed, no benefit to monopolization, no reason to fight (competition by exploitation/early bird gets the worm)
type of competition varies by
distribution of resources
ecology influences the social system by
affecting group size
abundance of resources influences
the amount of competition not the type
costs of group living …. (by competition)
scramble = distributed equally as group size increases
contest = not equally distributed = hierarchies arise
costs of group life (5)
direct (face to face) competition spend more time searching for food cover more distance coordinate activities disease transmission
gregarious animals have evolved
ways to live in close proximity (spread out of hierarchy)
extra benefit to group living
larger groups help in defense of resources (from other groups)
the distribution of resources and risks has
strong influences on social relationships
reproduction limited by resources
female RS is most limited by resources
male RS is most limited by females (specifically estrous (heat) females)
