Flashcards from Lecture Notes on Primate Biology

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes about primate biology, focusing on reproductive strategies, parental care, sexual selection, and social dynamics.

What factors influence male squirrel monkeys' increased body size during the breeding season?

Male squirrel monkeys acquire a larger body size due to competition for female attention.

What is reproductive seasonality?

Reproductive seasonality refers to the timing of reproduction that varies among different species, particularly in primates.

In which primates is reproductive seasonality most marked?

Reproductive seasonality is most pronounced in temperate primates compared to tropical ones. - rhesus monkeys, golden monkeys, and black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys

Why do female squirrel monkeys prefer larger males as mates?

Females prefer larger males as they may be perceived as better protectors and providers.

What is the consequence of conceiving too early or too late during a breeding season?

Conceiving at the wrong time can lead to lower offspring survival rates.

What is the proximate mechanism that may stimulate seasonal breeding?

Changes in environmental conditions, such as food availability and daylight length, may stimulate seasonal breeding.

What do the urinary ketones in orangutans indicate about their diet?

Urinary ketones are absent during fruit-rich periods and present during fruit-poor periods, indicating food availability affects their diet.

How have orangutans adapted to seasonal food availability?

They have a long interbirth interval to synchronize births with periods of food abundance.

What is the benefit of dispersing for primate females?

Dispersing can help avoid competition with close relatives for resources.

How can male tenure length affect female reproductive success?

Longer tenure can increase female reproductive success through stable access to resources.

What may account for sex-biased infant sex ratios in matrilineal societies?

Dominance and maternal rank can influence the sex ratio of offspring.

Why do dominant baboons give birth to more females while subordinates give birth to more males?

Dominant females may produce daughters to maintain their social status, while subordinates may produce males to increase their comparative success in a less competitive environment.

What are the consequences of high mortality among dispersing females?

High mortality can lead to lower population growth rates due to reduced reproductive potential.

What reproductive strategies differ between capital breeders and income breeders in Malagasy lemurs?

Capital breeders invest energy to build reserves before reproduction, while income breeders rely on immediate resources during breeding.

What is sexual selection?

Sexual selection refers to the process where certain traits increase an individual's chances of mating based on their attractiveness or competitive abilities.

How does male-male competition relate to sexual selection?

High male-male competition enhances the development of traits advantageous for mating success.

What is sexual dimorphism?

Sexual dimorphism refers to the differences in physical characteristics between males and females of the same species.

How does the operational sex ratio (OSR) influence male competition?

The OSR reveals the number of sexually available males relative to females, indicating the level of competition for mates.

What are secondary sexual characteristics?

Secondary sexual characteristics are traits that develop at maturity that distinguish the sexes but are not directly involved in reproduction.

How does the distribution of female primates influence male mating strategies?

Males adapt strategies based on the spatial arrangement of females, which can affect mating opportunities.

What is sperm competition?

Sperm competition occurs when the sperm of multiple males competes to fertilize the eggs of females.

How do matrilocal societies impact juvenile male relationships?

Juvenile males may retain close relationships with their mothers and compete with peers from matrilocal constraints.

What strategies might male baboons use to climb the dominance hierarchy?

Strategies may include forming alliances, displaying aggression, or utilizing social skills.

How does alloparental care benefit primate infants?

Alloparental care provides additional support and protection from threats, improving infant survival rates.

Why might females who disperse have higher reproductive success?

Dispersing females may avoid inbreeding, enhance genetic diversity, and access new mating opportunities.

What explains the timing of weaning differences between mothers and offspring?

Mothers may perceive optimal weaning timing based on their own energy and lactation needs, which may differ from the offspring's ability to process food.

What hormonal effects do prolactin have in caregivers?

Prolactin influences parental care behaviors and bonding, enhancing maternal instincts.

What is the basic idea behind Trivers’ model of parent-offspring conflict?

The model suggests that mothers and offspring may have conflicting interests regarding resource allocation, leading to differing optimal weaning times.

How does mate choice relate to reproductive success in primate species?

Female mate choice can enhance genetic quality of offspring and increase their survival by selecting mates with desirable traits.

What evolutionary advantage does infanticidal behavior provide for male primates?

Infanticide can increase a male's chances of mating with females soon after demonstrating dominance.

How can habitat quality affect the polygyny threshold?

Higher habitat quality increases females' likelihood to mate with multiple males to enhance resource access.

What impact does female cooperation have on male mating success?

Female cooperation can moderate competition between males, enhancing overall reproductive opportunities.

Why do high-ranking females have differing reproductive strategies compared to low-ranking females?

High-ranking females may prioritize producing females to maintain their lineage, while low-ranking females may try for males due to different social pressures.

What aspects can cause a female primate to exhibit sexual swelling?

Sexual swelling can signal receptivity to males, thus attracting mates and enabling female choice.

How does juvenile diet influence future reproductive success?

Juveniles that have a rich diet develop better health and reproductive capabilities later in life.

What are the consequences of juvenile social skills learning in large groups?

Juveniles in large groups can develop complex social strategies that increase their chances of survival and future reproductive success.

Why is sexual competition limited to the breeding season in some primates?

Seasonal breeding limits male competition to specific times when females are receptive, thus concentrating reproductive efforts.