Male-male social interactions in vervet monkeys : targets and tactics
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Date
2012
Authors
Takahashi, April D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Psychology, c2012
Abstract
This thesis offers an alternative to the conventional ‘social intelligence’ hypothesis: that
the complexity of primate group emerges from dynamic, short term variation in partner
availability and quality and that primate social cognition is geared to producing flexible
responses to unpredictable contingencies. Using the theoretical framework that views
cognition as being both ‘embodied’ and ‘embedded’ in the environment, agonistic
interactions were examined with the aim to better explain complex signalling behaviour
in male vervet monkeys. Firstly, agonistic interactions with and without physical
aggression were examined to assess the targets of male vervets during combat. The
tactics employed by the partner, such as adjusting posture and relative orientation to
partner, were also investigated. This thesis also examines the influence of proximity on
male behavior during agonistic interactions and interactions containing threats. Lastly,
threat displays were investigated further in order to test for evidence of them occurring in
a ritualized manner.
Description
xi, 118 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm
Keywords
Cercopithecus aethiops -- Research -- South Africa -- Samara Game Reserve , Cercopithecus aethiops -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Samara Game Reserve , Monkeys|xBehavior -- South Africa -- Samara Game Reserve , Dissertations, Academic