Primate MC Questions

Which of the following is a key principle of Kleiber's Law in relation to primate metabolism?

Larger animals are more energy-efficient and require less energy per unit of body mass.

What is the primary function of social behavior among primates?

To mediate cooperation among competitors for survival and reproduction.

Which primate group is characterized by strict seasonal breeding, with some species breeding only once per year?

Lemurs

What does the Resource Defense Hypothesis primarily suggest about female primates?

They are driven to group living to defend food resources collaboratively.

How do larger primate species typically manage the need for large amounts of food?

By consuming more abundant but lower-quality foods like leaves.

Which of the following is a behavioral specialization related to food acquisition in primates?

Dexterity and tool use

What is the primary cost of group living among primates?

Increased competition for food

Which metabolic principle explains why small primates require more energy per gram of body mass than large primates?

MSMR (Mass-Specific Metabolic Rate)

What is a key characteristic of primate sociality?

All primates are social, but not all are gregarious.

Which of the following best describes the Jarman-Bell Principle?

Larger animals can afford to eat low-quality, abundant foods.

What principle underlies kin selection as a driver of cooperation among primates?

Altruistic behaviors increase when individuals share genes.

Reciprocal altruism in primates is most likely to occur when

There is a high frequency of social interactions with memory and trust.

Which of the following is a benefit of non-kin cooperation among primates?

Increased reproductive success

What is the primary advantage of multilevel selection in primate social structures?

Balances selection at both individual and group levels.

What role does grooming play in primate social structures?

Reinforces social bonds and alliances

Which of the following is a key concept in understanding primate cooperation?

Reciprocal altruism

How does multilevel selection benefit cooperative groups?

It allows cooperative groups to outperform selfish ones.

What type of social bond is most likely to promote long-term cooperation?

Kin-based bond

In primates, what typically drives male dispersal from natal groups?

Mate competition

Which primate social system typically involves one female mating with multiple males?

Polyandry

What is the primary adaptive function of infanticide in some male primates?

Increasing male reproductive opportunities

What is a typical feature of fission-fusion societies?

Group members frequently splitting and rejoining

Which behavior is commonly used by primates to reduce social tension?

Grooming

What strategy do female primates often use to increase offspring survival?

Cooperative breeding

In which scenario is reciprocal altruism most likely to evolve?

Long-term social relationships with repeated interactions

Which reproductive strategy involves one male mating with multiple females?

Polygyny

In primate societies, which behavior most commonly establishes social bonds?

Grooming

What is the function of sacculated stomachs in primates?

Enhancing digestion of fibrous plant material

What characteristic is typical of female philopatry in primates?

Females remain in their natal groups

Which social structure is characterized by multiple males and females living together?

Multi-male/multi-female group

Which primate is known for using tools to crack nuts?

Capuchins

Which principle predicts that larger animals are more energy-efficient than smaller ones?

Kleiber’s Law

What is a primary factor that influences primate dietary variation?

Body size

Which dietary strategy involves consuming both animal prey and fruit?

Omnivory

Which reproductive strategy results in high levels of male-male competition

Polygyny

Which factor most significantly influences the frequency of coalition formation among primates?

Kinship

What is a primary factor in the evolution of social intelligence in primates?

Navigating complex social relationships

How do primates typically respond to the death of a close group member?

Increased grooming and social cohesion

What is the evolutionary benefit of strong social bonds among female primates?

Enhanced offspring survival

Which primate species is known for forming male alliances to control access to females?

Baboons

What is the primary role of vocal communication in primates?

Strengthening social bonds

What is the primary reason for conflict resolution mechanisms in primate societies?

Maintaining social cohesion

What behavior is commonly observed in multi-male/multi-female primate groups?

High levels of competition among males

Which of the following best describes scramble competition?

Indirect competition where resources are used up before others can access them

What is the primary reason for cooperative hunting in some primates?

Enhanced capture efficiency

Which reproductive strategy is most common in tamarins and marmosets?

Polyandry

In which mating system do males compete intensely for access to a group of females?

One-male group

Which type of competition is most likely to occur when resources are clumped and defensible?

Contest competition

Which primate species is well known for forming coalitions during intergroup conflicts?

Chimpanzees

Which of the following best exemplifies mutualism in primates?

Two individuals grooming each other simultaneously