Primate Social Systems

What are the benefits of living in groups?

• Decreases chances of predation

• Increased defence

• Protected access to food

What are the costs of living in groups?

• Competition for resources within a group (food and mate choice)

• Disease

• Violence/aggression from group members

What are the main social systems of primates?

• Small groups and family units

• Large social groups

What are the different social organisations in small groups and family units?

• Pair bonds (monogamy)

• Co-operative breeders

• Organ-Utan

What are the different social organisations in large social groups?

• Multi-male and multi-female groups

• Single male and multi-female groups

• Chimpanzee social organisation